Brazil faces rising mental‑health concerns at work and in schools

Workplaces across Brazil are seeing a surge in emotional illness, with many employees unable to distinguish between stress, anxiety and burnout. Psychotherapist Daniele Caetano notes, “É muito comum as pessoas dizerem que estão com burnout quando, na verdade, estão vivendo um período de estresse intenso.” The blurring of these conditions hampers timely help, reduces productivity and increases absenteeism.

In the education sector, a national commission on mental health in schools, launched in 2025, has expanded to the Central‑West region. The commission, led by teacher Dulcineia Marques, stresses that mental health must be integrated into daily school life, stating, “A saúde mental não pode ser tratada apenas quando surge um problema, porque ela é construída diariamente.” Experts highlight persistent anxiety, isolation, irritability and declining academic performance as warning signs that require professional assessment. Both sectors emphasize early recognition and coordinated support among employers, families and health professionals to prevent worsening of symptoms.