What is Yellow September and why is it important?

The Yellow September campaign began in 2015 at the initiative of the Centro de Valorização da Vida (CVV) and the Federal Medical Council (CFM), together with the Brazilian Psychiatric Association (ABP).

Together, they took action to make the community aware of the seriousness of this problem, leading to World Suicide Prevention Day, celebrated on the 10th.

According to WHO data, every 40 seconds a person takes his own life anywhere in the world. More than 800,000 deaths due to suicide throughout the year. According to the WHO, almost 100% of these cases are associated with some disorder, illness or mental suffering.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth aged 15 to 29, with an estimated 32 Brazilians committing suicide each day.

In this sense, the significance of Yellow September is to reveal the need to break the stigma of talking about suicide, not just this month, but all year long.

Many of these numbers could be avoided with prevention policiesThis makes the dissemination of information all the more important in order to educate and alert the public to the problem.

Why is it important to talk about mental health?

According to Veja magazine, Brazil is one of the countries with the highest incidence of anxiety and depression in Latin America.

Factors such as increased poverty and unemployment, alcohol and drug use are largely responsible for influencing Brazilians’ mental health, leading to an increase in the incidence of psychic disorders.

Many of these disorders and syndromes – such as Burnout triggered by fatigue and overwork – They are intensified by the difficulty of coping with the emotions that these disorders cause.namely the lack of emotional intelligence.

So talking about mental health is recognizing that problems exist but can be treated. Neglect only adds to the neglect of mental suffering and its consequences, such as suicide.

When society realizes that suicide is a reality and can affect many people around it, the need to talk about it arises.

To break these taboos is to make society understand that this is a problem. public health problemAnd it’s not an isolated incident.

How to help with Yellow September awareness and suicide prevention?

With the Yellow September campaign, various studies are carried out to combat and prevent suicide, and it is aimed to raise awareness so that the society and health workers pay attention to the symptoms of the problem.

Rather than raising awareness, you can help prevent suicide all year round. Here are some tips for contributing:

Identify risky behaviors

Pay attention to the transmitted signals! If you notice that a close person is more apathetic and isolated than usual, is less productive in their activities, neglects their appearance and daily duties, and/or sends frequent messages about death, speak up and try to understand what’s going on. on.

In addition, the presence of psychiatric and mood disorders, severe behavioral changes, irritability and distress are some of the symptoms that need attention.

How to help a person with a mental disorder?

When you notice someone committing suicide, be empathetic and understanding. Many people just want to be heard without judgment or opinions, so make it clear that you just want to help and let the person out.

It is necessary to remain calm. Do not belittle, try to soften the vulnerable person’s problems or take drastic measures. It’s important for her to feel welcome and respected, so never leave her alone in a crisis.

Emotional support resources

It is very important to seek help from friends, family, support groups or professionals. There are several centers and units that offer emotional support and suicide prevention services free of charge. Life Appreciation Center (CVV)On number 188, via email or chat.

Suicide can be avoided and dialogue is the best way to prevent it from happening. Be sure to seek help. Pay attention to what the people around you are doing and be considerate of each of them!