The Yellow September campaign seeks to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Contrary to what many people think, the topic affects a large number of people.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), in Latin America alone, almost 16 million young people between the ages of 10 and 19 are diagnosed with some mental disorder. This means that, for every 100 people in this age group, 15 have illnesses, such as depression, for example.
Regarding suicide, the UN body points out that more than 10 Latin American teenagers take their lives every day. Therefore, self-extermination is the third leading cause of death among young people.
According to the latest data released by the Ministry of Health, between 2016 and 2021 there was an increase of 49.3% in the mortality rates of adolescents aged 15 to 19 due to suicide, reaching 6.6 per 100 thousand, and 45% among adolescents aged 10 to 14, reaching 1.33 per 100 thousand.
These data show that this is a case of public health and, to change reality, it is necessary to act, especially in a group considered at risk, such as young people. Firstly, when we talk about mental health, the most effective way to strengthen young people is by promoting access and inclusion in the psychosocial support network.
The Ramacrisna Institute is aware of the importance of the campaign and has developed specific activities for young people participating in the Adolescent Aprendiz project. Check it out below:
Throughout the year, Ramacrisna offers support to young people in the Adolescent Aprendiz program. The initiative, called Se Cuida Jovem, offers psychosocial care for teenagers and young people at the Institute.
The actions began on the 11th, with lectures that approach the topic in a light way, to break taboos, reduce stigmas and encourage apprentices to seek and offer help. Activities are also carried out in the classroom, presenting data and research on suicide, especially among young people.
“Some tips were also presented in order to prevent suicidal thoughts from becoming a reality among our teenagers and young people. In addition, we prepared some short films from CVV (Center for the Valorization of Life), channels where they can seek help and mainly we talk about the importance of developing empathy and solidarity towards others”, explained Janara Gomes, pedagogical coordinator of the learning project .
The Yellow September actions also include the creation of a clothesline, from which each apprentice can take a message of motivation and support, and also leave their message for someone else to pick up.
Another initiative is the Angel Friend, aimed at employees of the Ramacrisna Institute, especially those who are part of the Adolescent Aprendiz program. Employees choose whether or not they want to participate in the action.
The names are drawn and each employee receives a name. Everyone must take time to dedicate themselves to others, care for and protect their friend. To do this, he can, for example, leave messages, letters, treats or gifts, without identifying himself. The activities will last for a week. On the last day of the initiative, the Angel Friend is revealed.
Did you know that mental disorders are multifactorial? In addition to social coexistence, issues such as poverty and lack of access to the job market can impact people’s mental health.
Therefore, for more than 60 years, Ramacrisna has welcomed people in situations of social vulnerability. In total, more than 2 million people have already had their lives transformed by at least one of our projects.
You can contribute to our chain of good. Discover our work and find out how to help.
