EXPERIENCES OF LEAVE DUE TO MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS AMONG UNIVERSITY STAFF DURING COVID-19 IN LIGHT OF WORK PSYCHODYNAMICS

Abstract

Introduction: In 2020, the humanity experienced social confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, directly affecting the economy, working, learning conditions, impacting the academic community. Objective: To analyze the reasons for absences due to mental and behavioral disorders among employees of a federal university during the COVID-19 pandemic, in light of the psychodynamics of work. Method: A qualitative study with employees of a university in the State of São Paulo who were away from work during the pandemic, selected using the snowball technique. Data collection was carried out through individual semi-structured interviews. The narratives were transcribed and analyzed using thematic content analysis, based on the theoretical framework of work psychodynamics. Results: Five employees participated in the study. The results showed that the perception of the need for help came from the employees themselves; there was difficulty in accepting the absence from work; the pandemic was not the determining factor of the symptoms, but a contributing factor; other episodes of absences had already occurred; working conditions did not directly affect the quality of their mental health; family support was important during the absence; the lack of institutional support was perceived; the use of medication was prescribed to all to cope with the crises. Conclusion: The findings reinforce the complexity of the factors that contributed to absences from work. The context of the pandemic led to relationships that unbalanced pleasure and suffering, negative repercussions on sleep and rest, alcohol abuse, family demands due to close contact promoted by social isolation, concern about death, news broadcast in the media, the loss of family and friends, and adaptation to remote learning. The limited number of interviewees may reflect a stigma that still exists around this topic, even in the university environment.