Olá, amigos! 💚
Today we’re talking about something that matters to everyone: mental health. Did you know that saúde mental means mental heath in Portuguese.
Brazil is famous for its music, beaches, and energy, but it’s also a place where emotions run deep. We hug, we talk, we cry, and we laugh, often all in the same conversation! Taking care of your saúde mental is part of living well, whether you’re in Rio de Janeiro or anywhere in the world.
So, let’s learn some mental health words in Portuguese to help you express your feelings and connect with Brazilians in an honest and caring way. 🌿
🌎 World Mental Health Day in Brazil (October 10th)
Every year on October 10th, the world celebrates Dia Mundial da Saúde Mental — World Mental Health Day.
In Brazil, many people take this day to talk openly about saúde mental, share experiences, and promote empathy and wellbeing. Schools, companies, and even beaches in Rio can host activities focused on mindfulness, therapy, and emotional care. 💚
It’s the perfect time to learn how to express your feelings in Portuguese and connect with others in a truly meaningful way.
💬 Key Mental Health Words in Portuguese
| Vocabulary | Translation |
| Dia Mundial da Saúde Mental | World Mental Health Day |
| Saúde mental | Mental health |
| Ansiedade | Anxiety |
| Depressão | Depression |
| Estresse | Stress |
| Burnout | Burnout |
| Transtorno de Estresse Pós Traumático | Post Traumatic Stress Disorder |
| Terapia | Therapy |
| Psicólogo | Psychologist |
| Psiquiatra | Psychiatrist |
| Apoio Emocional | Emotional Support |
| Ajuda | Help |
| Ficar bem / Estar bem | Be well |
These words are super useful not only in conversations but also when you want to talk about how you feel.
After all, speaking about mental health shows strength, and doing that by speaking in Portuguese? That’s double courage! 💪
💭 Talking About Feelings in Portuguese
Brazilians are open and expressive. You’ll often hear phrases like:
Vai dar tudo certo!
Everything’s going to be fine!Fica tranquilo(a).
Stay calm.Cuide de se mesmo(a).
Take care of yourself.
These are not just words. They’re ways to show care and connection.
Here are some examples using your new vocabulary:

Estou com muita ansiedade hoje.
I’m feeling very anxious today.
Ela faz terapia toda semana.
She goes to therapy every week.
Ele quer ficar bem depois de tanto estresse.
He wants to be well after so much stress.
Minha amiga tem depressão, mas está melhorando.
My friend has depression, but she’s getting better.
🧩 Main Verbs to Talk About Mental Health
These verbs will help you express feelings and habits when speaking about mental health:
| Verbs | Translation | Examples |
| Estar | To be | Estou bem hoje. I’m fine today. |
| Fazer | To do / To make | Ela faz terapia toda semana. She goes to therapy every week. |
| Cuidar (de) | To take care of | Cuide de si mesmo! Take care of yourself! |
| Sentir | To feel | Sinto ansiedade antes das provas. I feel anxiety before exams. |
| Querer | To want | Ele quer ficar bem. He wants to be well. |
| Ter | To have | Ela tem depressão, mas está melhorando. She has depression but is getting better now. |
| Pedir | To ask for | É importante saber quando pedir ajuda. It’s important to know when to ask for help. |
🗣️ Mini Dialogues in Portuguese
Example with Therapy in Portuguese
👩🎓: Você faz terapia?
🧑🏫: Sim! Acho importante cuidar da saúde mental.
👩🎓: Concordo! Ficar bem é o mais importante.
Translation:
– Do you go to therapy?
– Yes! I think it’s important to take care of mental health.
– I agree! Being well is the most important thing.
Example with Anxiety in Portuguese
👩🎓: Estou com muita ansiedade antes da prova.
🧑🏫: Respira fundo, vai dar tudo certo!
👩🎓: Obrigada, vou tentar relaxar.
Translation:
– I’m feeling very anxious before the exam.
– Take a deep breath, everything will be fine!
– Thanks, I’ll try to relax.
Example with Depression in Portuguese
👩🎓: Minha amiga tem depressão, mas está melhorando.
🧑🏫: Que bom! O apoio dos amigos faz muita diferença.
👩🎓: Sim, estamos sempre por perto.
Translation:
– My friend has depression, but she’s getting better.
– That’s great! Support from friends makes a big difference.
– Yes, we’re always there for her.
Example with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Portuguese
👩🎓: Ele está tratando o estresse pós-traumático.
🧑🏫: Sério? É um processo difícil, mas importante.
👩🎓: Sim, ele faz terapia e está progredindo.
Translation:
– He’s treating post-traumatic stress.
– Really? It’s a tough process, but an important one.
– Yes, he’s in therapy and making progress.
🌈 A Message from Rio & Learn
At Rio & Learn, we believe that learning a language is also about understanding people, their emotions, stories, and ways of expressing care.
Talking about saúde mental is part of a healthy life, and we’re proud to support open conversations about ansiedade, depressão, terapia, and bem-estar. Another good practice is reducing the use of social media and enjoying outdoor activities. Have you seen RioLIVE! Activities with our students? You can join them too!
So take a deep breath, smile, and remember: vai dar tudo certo!
And if you want to feel good while learning Portuguese, join our classes online or in our school in Copacabana. Learning is even better when your mind and heart are well. 💫
✍️ Practice Time!
Now it’s your turn to create your own sentences!
Use the verb and vocabulary given for each line. Combine them naturally in Portuguese.
You can also say them aloud to practice your pronunciation.
- Estar + Estresse:
- Fazer + Terapia:
- Sentir + Ansiedade:
- Ter + Depressão:
- Cuidar (de) + Saude Mental:
- Querer + Ficar bem:
💬 Remember: there are many correct answers! Be creative, write your sentences in the comments of this Dica and say them aloud to practice rhythm and emotion.
💛 See You Soon, Friends!
Taking care of your saúde mental is as important as taking care of your Portuguese! 💬✨
Keep practicing these new words and expressions, and remember — learning is easier when your mind is calm and happy.
From Rio with love, we wish you muita paz, alegria e equilíbrio (lots of peace, joy, and balance).
Até logo, amigos! Fiquem bem! 💚🇧🇷
Click on the links below to see more related Dicas
Feel in Portuguese
The Red Cross in Brazil
Hospital in Portuguese
Social Issues in Brazil
💡 Possible Answers
Here are some example sentences to inspire your answers (but yours can be different!):
- Estou com muito estresse hoje.
- Faço terapia toda semana.
- Sinto ansiedade ao falar em público.
- Carlos tem depressão, e está cuidando do problema.
- Preciso cuidar da minha saúde mental.
- Eu quero ficar bem.
Online Academic Coordinator at Rio & Learn Portuguese School.
Experienced educational coordinator and teacher since 2007, adept in curriculum development, creating physical and digital educational materials, and leveraging online platforms to enhance learning outcomes