This research aims to identify perceptions of mental disorder by subjects who receive mental health assistance from the Family Health Strategy program. A qualitative method was used in this research, in which 12 subjects participated. Semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis were used to understand perceptions on mental disorder related to the topics: history of life suffering and family conflicts. Mental disorder was related to experiences of poverty, lack of affect and relationships, which increase vulnerability and reveal the scope of the health/illness process. In the reports, the possibility of suicide was often mentioned. The study calls attention to the importance of hearing and taking into consideration concepts elaborated by the subjects who are receiving mental health care. It also indicates the need for organizational guidelines of care that answer to the plurality of demand.