TOWARDS AN EFFECTIVE EDUCATIONAL RESPONSE: MENTAL DISORDERS AND SUBSTANCE USE

Mental health goes beyond the absence of illnesses, it encompasses the expression of emotions, communication, and daily performance. Freedom of decision is a right, but people with mental disorders need immediate attention to avoid irreparable damage. Ecuadorian legislation establishes conditions for confinement, but in Santo Domingo, paradoxical regulations complicate the protection of the rights of those suffering from disorders. The article highlights the contradiction between individual rights and the need for intervention to preserve mental health. The lack of adequate facilities and protocols in Santo Domingo shows the urgency of policies for the mental health system. The proposed project seeks to address this problem through community education. This approach aims to empower the community to prevent illegal commitments and promote mental health in a comprehensive way.