Investigating the use of metaphors to express symptoms of depression in Portuguese texts

• Grant number: 25/09978-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Computer Science - Computing Methodologies and Techniques
• Principal Investigator: Helena de Medeiros Caseli
• Grantee: Isabela Cristina Rodrigues
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/10233-7 - AI-Based Support for Mental Health Communication (AIM-Health), AP.R

Abstract

Depression is a mental health disorder that affects a large portion of the global population. Depression is characterized by clinically significant psychological distress that leads to significant impairments in a person's functionality, reduced quality of life, and, in severe cases, can lead to death due to the risk of suicide. However, according to the World Health Organization, only a quarter of individuals suffering from mental health disorders receive adequate care. Research in the area of ¿¿Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) has been developed for years with the aim of proposing computational solutions that aid in the detection and intervention of mental health disorders. AI and NLP-based solutions that support the identification of depression symptoms can be useful both in individual treatment and in public policy decision-making. Studies in the area indicate that metaphors have been used by people diagnosed with depression as a way to gain autonomy, to deal with situations that are beyond their control, and to shape/reflect on their relationship with the depression they are experiencing. In this context, this project aims to investigate the use of metaphors to express symptoms of depression in textual social media posts in Brazilian Portuguese. The results of this project will serve as a basis for proposing more assertive computational methods for detecting symptoms of depression. This proposal is linked to the project "AIM-Health: AI-based support for mental health communication" (FAPESP Regular Grant #24/10233-7).