Conversations About Mental Health and Resilience Mediated by Culture With Survivors of the Armed Conflict in a Caribbean Region of Colombia / Conversaciones sobre salud mental y resiliencia, mediadas por la cultura con sobrevivientes del conflicto armado en una región del Caribe colombiano

Seventy-five per cent of the population of the municipality of San Jacinto has been affected by political violence, which has had severe consequences on mental health, the social fabric and the preservation of cultural traditions. San Jacinto is recognised for its cultural richness and diversity, which serve as protective factors in the face of violence. This study aims to ascertain community perceptions of mental health and social resilience, highlighting the importance of culture as a source of hope and resistance. An interpretative-hermeneutic approach and focus groups techniques were used with 38 participants. The results reveal challenges such as stigmas around mental health and trauma resulting from violence, which are aggravated by social and economic barriers and a lack of effective public policies. Community support and cultural richness are identified as protective factors that contribute to resilience. The study highlights the need to implement multisectoral policies and promote socioemotional education to improve well-being and mental health in the affected communities.