This year’s campaign motto is: “If You Need Help, Ask for It”

In another edition of Yellow September, Instituto Ramacrisna intensifies its awareness efforts on the importance of suicide prevention, addressing mental health topics with its young apprentices and staff. Between September 16 and 27, the adolescents from the Adolescente Aprendiz program participated in a series of lectures and activities focused on emotional well-being, aimed at equipping them to recognize and deal with sensitive issues.

The lectures covered topics such as “Anxiety and Depression in Adolescence”; “The Mind and Its Functioning, Common Myths About Mental Health”; “Expressing Feelings and Dealing with Challenges,” among others, aiming to promote an open dialogue environment on mental health. According to the institute’s vice president, Solange Bottaro, these initiatives are essential to help young people understand the impact of suicide and, more importantly, to seek support. “First and foremost, it is crucial for young people to understand the meaning of Yellow September. This month aims to raise awareness about suicide, demystifying taboos, and encouraging open dialogue on a topic that is often silenced. By engaging teenagers on the subject, we are empowering them with valuable knowledge that can make a difference in their lives and the lives of their peers,” highlighted Solange.

One of the highlights was the journalist and writer Tio Flávio, who presented the lecture “Awakening: brief reflections on a meaningful life,” where he discussed themes such as the changes that provoke small awakenings; living in the moment and discovering what is essential, and brief reflections on happiness, hope, and empathy.

To conclude, an entertaining and interactive lecture on the importance of physical exercise in suicide prevention was delivered by Professor Jaiverson dos Reis, showing that physical exercise is essential not only for the body but also for the mind.

Angel Friend: An Empathy Action Among Employees

In addition to the actions aimed at adolescents, Instituto Ramacrisna also promotes the internal initiative “Amigo Anjo” for its staff. The proposal aims to strengthen emotional support among employees through a network of care and solidarity. For one week, participants are invited to perform acts of kindness, such as leaving messages of support, small gifts, or tokens of appreciation, always anonymously. At the end of the initiative, on the last day, the “angel friend” reveals themselves, concluding the activity with a moment of connection and experience sharing.

The “Amigo Anjo” initiative reflects the culture of empathy and care that the Institute strives to promote, both in its internal environment and external initiatives. The proposal reinforces the importance of mutual support and mental health care, central themes of Yellow September.

These actions not only raise awareness but also help create a healthier and more welcoming environment, directly contributing to the well-being of the institution’s youth and staff.