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DON’T
EVEN SAY
THAT WORD!

It is a strong word. Shocking. That’s why sometimes we say “take your own life”, “give everything up”, “do something crazy”, and the subject becomes taboo.

According to figures released by the World Health Organization (WHO), every year, more than 700,000 people commit suicide around the planet. That’s 1 out of every 100,000 deaths recorded in 2019, and the number of suicide attempts may have been 20 times higher, but many people still avoid talking about it.

The big problem is that this stigma hinders the early detection of possible suicides and, above all, prevention. In this Yellow September, our proposal is to openly address the issue to avoid the worst.

WHAT MAKES
A PERSON DO
SUCH A THING?

Suicide is a complex phenomenon caused by multiple factors (psychological, biological, socio-environmental and even genetic) that does not distinguish social class, age, sexual orientation or gender – although the transgender population or those with gender dysphoria present high rates of cases.

The main factor that seems to be common to all cases is emotional disorders. This is followed by bipolar disorder and alcohol and other drug abuse. In other words, the first level of suicide prevention concerns mental health care – and this should be a society-wide effort.

YOU COULDN’T TELL

Although it is not possible to predict when or how a person will commit suicide, there are a number of behaviors that may indicate the possibility, and it is important that family and friends are always vigilant:

  • Deep sadness;
  • Sleep disorders;
  • Negative thoughts;
  • Lack of interest and apathy;
  • Low self-esteem;
  • Sloppiness with appearance;
  • Physical pain;
  • Rejection;
  • Irritability;
  • Frequent crying;
  • Unwillingness to do simple activities;
  • Sudden behavioral changes;
  • Rejection of certain subjects;
  • Drop in school performance;
  • Drug/alcohol abuse;
  • Sudden isolation from family and social contact;
  • Comments such as “I’d rather die than go through this” and “I just wanted to sleep forever”

ISN’T IT JUST FOR ATTENTION?

For every suicide, 25 people make an attempt, and just as many think seriously about it. This corresponds to more than 100 million people in the world who suffer with these behaviors – most of the time, in a solitary way.

It is important to emphasize that a person who considers suicide does not necessarily want to end his or her own life. They wish to put an end to their suffering. Most people who attempt suicide talk or signal about their thoughts of death, and a good proportion of those who take their own lives have expressed a desire to kill themselves shortly before.

So if someone you know talks about it or shows the signs we’ve mentioned above, watch out:

  • Keep in constant contact with the person
  • Recommend the Life Valuation Center (CVV): Dial 188
  • Try to limit access to means (such as firearms)
  • If you think it is necessary, call the Fire Department: 193

THERE IS LIFE WITHOUT SUFFERING

Despite what many people think, talking about suicide does not increase the probability of it happening.

On the contrary, addressing the issue openly demonstrates acceptance of those facing suicidal ideation and can ease distress.

What to say

  • Things change, you won’t feel like this forever
  • I respect your suffering
  • Don’t be ashamed to seek help
  • I’m here for you
  • You are important to me
  • It’s possible to live without this pain

And more

  • Seek specialized help
  • Share stories of success
  • Recommend songs, books or movies that increase hope
  • Avoid judgment
  • Above all, listen

YOU HAVE YOUR LIFE AHEAD OF YOU

Although suicide is among the top three causes of death for people aged 15-29 worldwide, we cannot ignore the increase in cases among young people aged 10-19, which grew by 45% from 2016 to 2021.

Another alarming statistic is that 17% of bullied teenagers have considered taking their own life to get rid of the abuse.

This means that care for the mental health of young people must be intensified by parents, educators, health professionals and society.

Speak now to avoid BEING SORRY later

If you or someone you know is showing signs of depression or suicidal ideation, there are reliable and specialized institutions that can help:

Life Valuation Center (CVV)

It offers emotional support and suicide prevention, voluntarily and free of charge assisting all people who want and need to talk, under total confidentiality by phone, email and chat 24 hours every day. Simply dial 188.

Mental Health Map

It maps and provides free mental health services offered online or in person by public institutions, NGOs, clinics and schools throughout Brazil.

EXTRA CONTENT

TALK WITH A PSYCHOLOGIST

D’Or Consultoria promoted an online conversation presented by Analice dos Santos.

Be sure to address the issue whenever you feel it’s necessary. Better said now than felt later.

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Yellow September

Suicide Prevention Month