Dr. Rodrigo Bressan, PhD, is a psychiatrist and neuroscientist with academic posts in London and São Paulo. He founded Instituto Ame Sua Mente (“Love Your Mind” in English) to develop scientific research-based approaches that aim to promote mental health, reduce stigma, and prevent and manage disorders, with educators at the forefront.

“By raising awareness of mental health coupled with training educators, we aim to foster a new mental health culture in Brazil so that everyone can take charge of their emotional development from an early age.” 

What will the Stanley Creators Fund make possible for Instituto Ame Sua Mente?

We know that 50% of mental disorders appear before the age of 14 and 75% of these disorders will develop up to the age of 24. Yet, few resources exist to assist school systems. The Stanley Creators Fund grant will help us to strengthen Instituto Ame Sua Mente operations to better deliver our social initiatives into the school community. It will also allow us to expand our program “Ame Sua Mente na Escola” (Love Your Mind at School) to help educators gain knowledge to combat stigma, manage their mental health, address classroom challenges, and, when necessary, refer students who may require specific mental health care to public health services.

What drives you? Or, said differently, what’s your “why?”

As a psychiatrist and researcher, I have the opportunity to closely observe the changes in people's lives when they receive proper mental health treatment and follow-up care. Mental health is an integral part of our overall health and cannot be underestimated. One in every 20 people will be incapacitated due to mental disorders, but it doesn’t have to be this way—we can provide people with a better quality of life if we take care earlier.

What is something you’ve learned through your work?

I have learned that a humble approach toward cultural changes is much more powerful than scientific knowledge. Nevertheless, I believe the combination of cultural and scientific strategies is the most powerful intervention.

“The Stanley Creators Fund grant is important recognition and validation for us. We believe it can open new possibilities in Brazil and beyond.”

Grant funding for Instituto Ame Sua Mente was made in partnership with GlobalGiving.