Yellow September reinforces the importance of taking care of mental health

Did you know that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in eight people in the world lives with some kind of diagnosable mental disorder? This suggests that, right now, someone in your network – or perhaps you yourself – may be facing an internal battle of a psychological and emotional nature. Mental health problems such as anxiety and depression are increasingly common, causing significant suffering for the thousands of people around them.

Yellow September: a movement of hope

The Yellow September campaign is intended for reminding everyone that no one has to go through their problems and difficulties alone. This movement emerged in the United States in 1994 following the death of Mike Emme, a 17-year-old who took his own life. Known for his talent with mechanics, Mike restored a 1968 Mustang and painted it yellow. During Mike’s funeral, his friends and family handed out yellow ribbons with messages of support to people who might be facing emotional difficulties. The messages encouraged those who needed help not to suffer in silence and to seek support.

Suicide is one of the main causes of death in the world and is considered a public health problem. Held annually, the Yellow September campaign aims to raise awareness in society about the importance of discussing the issue, fighting the stigma associated with mental disorders and, above all, offering support to those who need it. In Brazil, the movement is headed by CVV (Center for Valuing Life), in partnership with the CFM (Federal Council of Medicine) and ABP (Brazilian Psychiatric Association).

The road to prevention

Psychologist Raquel Calvalleri explains that suicide is the sum of several factors and highlights the importance of a preventive approach to promoting mental health. “Suicide is the end result of a process, it’s a suffering that gradually increases to the point where the person finds themselves with no way out. We need to look at mental health in a comprehensive way, thinking about the various aspects that contribute to maintaining it: physical activity, sleep hygiene, nutrition, good relationships. Thinking about mental health is thinking about quality of life in general, because then you create protective factors,” she says.

The importance of mental health care

Mental health has an intrinsic and functional value in anyone’s life. It influences the way we think, feel, make decisions and build relationships, playing a decisive role in personal and community development. When we are mentally healthy, we are better able to deal with challenges and stresses, adapt to change, make complex choices, manage emotions and find purpose in life.

Experts believe that the increase in the number of cases of people with mental disorders may be connected with the impacts of today’s lifestyles, marked by a fast pace and constant demands. The pressure to be productive, competitive and successful could be contributing to the mental and emotional exhaustion of a large proportion of the population.

“People need to rethink a bit how they are dealing with the demands of today’s life, where they are putting self-care on their list of priorities. You have to reflect on your own habits, because there is no ready-made recipe. Each person needs to understand what works for them,” says Raquel.

Prioritizing activities that promote well-being, establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life, strengthening ties with friends and family, take time without using electronic devices to reduce stress and improve sleep quality are some strategies for maintaining good mental health. It’s also important to be alert to early signs that may indicate some kind of disorder. Drastic changes in behavior, social isolation, loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities and expressions of hopelessness shouldn’t be ignored.

Remember: mental health is essential for a full and satisfying life. Yellow September reminds us that we are not alone and that help is always available. Act preventively, keep an eye on yourself and seek support from psychologists, psychiatrists and other professionals at the first signs in your body and mind. You can count on the help of your health insurance plan to find professionals who specialize in taking care of your well-being.