Mental Health: From individual stigma to societal issue – South America edition

South America is a large and diverse continent with great variation in human development and levels of peace and prosperity even within countries, giving rise to different mental health challenges and solutions. While the levels of political instability and economic uncertainties widely differ within the continent, they are stressors that can increase violence, further contributing to increased risks for mental disorders. Latin America has a rich history and diverse population with roots from around the world, including indigenous peoples and descendants of Europe and Africa. Strong cultural differences and socioeconomic disparities, even within the same city, are reflected in attitudes towards and access to mental health resources.