Let’s talk about Yellow September?

Since 2014, the Brazilian Psychiatric Association (ABP), in partnership with the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM), has organized Yellow September® nationwide.

And although the 10th of this month is officially World Suicide Prevention Day, the campaign runs throughout the year. The issue is extremely important and its debate has become increasingly urgent, since the number of suicides has increased significantly in recent times, especially among young people.

Every year, around 12 thousand suicides are recorded in Brazil and more than 1 million worldwide.

And, within these rates, around 96.8% of cases were related to mental disorders, with depression in first place, followed by bipolar disorder and substance abuse.

According to data from January 2020, Brazil ranked second in the Americas with the highest number of depressed individuals (5.8% of the population), in addition to being the country with the highest prevalence of anxiety in the world (9.3%).

The isolation measures necessary to control the coronavirus pandemic, together with the current economic crisis, have worsened this situation. Therefore, if you are bothered by your thoughts, feelings or behavior, or know someone who is going through a similar situation, it is essential to seek immediate help from a psychiatrist.

The website www.setembroamarelo.com provides a wealth of information that can help and save lives.

In addition, the CVV (Centro de Valorização da Vida) provides emotional support and suicide prevention, voluntarily and free of charge to all people who want and need to talk, in complete confidentiality, by phone (188), email and chat 24 hours a day.

For more information, visit www.cvv.org.br. Remember that mental illnesses, just like heart, kidney or endocrine diseases, are treatable and that you are not alone. Don’t be afraid to seek help and put your health first!