What is Yellow September? Discover the relevance of this crucial campaign for active aging, highlighting the importance of preventing suicide and offering emotional support at all ages. Furthermore, challenging the age paradigm, we explore how life can be active and meaningful regardless of age. We address the need to understand the difficulties faced by family and friends and the importance of directing them to professional help when needed.
'When September comes in, and the good news walks in the field...'
September is a special month both in Brazil and Portugal, full of deep meanings. In Brazil, we welcome the arrival of spring and celebrate the country's independence, while in Portugal, we say goodbye to summer and prepare for the transition to autumn, when the fields are filled with fruits ready to be harvested. Although the seasons are inverse, there is something that unites these two countries this month: the campaign Yellow September, a cause of extreme importance for life.
What is Yellow September?
Yellow September is a campaign dedicated to raising awareness and discussing a public health issue that affects the entire world: suicide. It started in Brazil in 2015 and has since spread to other parts of the world, including Portugal. The central objective of this campaign is to offer support to those who face situations of vulnerability and question their very existence due to various reasons.
Throughout the month of September, dialogues are held in Brazil and Portugal with the aim of addressing issues related to mental health, emphasizing the importance of emotional support and providing information on how to identify signs of psychological distress in individuals. September 10th, in particular, is recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day.
The choice of 'Yellow' color
The choice of yellow color is full of symbolism. Yellow evokes the image of the sun, brings optimism and joy, in addition to being an inspiring color that stimulates creativity. However, according to several sources, the decision to adopt yellow as the symbol of the campaign was inspired by the story of a young American who, aged 17, took his own life. He had restored his car, a Mustang, and painted it yellow. During his funeral, the family distributed cards with yellow ribbons and the message 'If you need it, ask for help'.
The Importance of Yellow September
Despite the inherent difficulty in discussing suicide, it is crucial that this topic be brought to the fore. Therefore, the importance of dedicating an entire month to a campaign that addresses this serious public health problem, affecting people of all genders and ages. Often, social stigmas prevent individuals from sharing their emotional struggles or seeking help, due to fear of being judged or rejected. In addition, many people who want to help may not have the expertise to provide adequate support, making the issue even more challenging to discuss.
For those who have family members who express suicidal thoughts, the situation is especially challenging. The feeling of powerlessness and the difficulty in dealing with the intense emotions that surround this situation can be overwhelming. However, it is essential to overcome the fear and taboo that surround the topic of suicide, promoting empathy and active listening as crucial actions to deal with emotional crises, always prioritizing the search for trained professionals who understand the complexity of the underlying causes.
Yellow September and Active Aging
In the context of active aging, it is important to remember that as we age, we face many changes in our lives that can impact our interpersonal relationships and well-being.
According to the article 'The aging process and its relationship with suicide in the elderly: a bibliographic review' (link below), which addresses the relationship between the aging process and suicide, the contribution of technological advances to improving people's quality of life is considerable. However, he emphasizes that not all people are able to take advantage of these improvements, in addition to the fact that society contributes to people's feelings of acceptance or rejection in relation to their age. The study highlights that factors such as depression, loss of income, grief and social exclusion are considered the main factors in the relationship of suicide in the elderly, and also configure social isolation and lack of family contact as a factor that can aggravate the situation. . It highlights some prevention strategies that include diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders, the creation of public protection and inclusion policies.
Challenging the Age Paradigm
Personally, I believe that one valuable contribution we can make is to challenge the age paradigm. Associating old age with inactivity, lack of motivation and isolation is a limiting stereotype that does not reflect the reality of many elderly people. We can pursue an active and meaningful life, regardless of any label imposed by society. We need to understand that age does not limit us and that we can continue to grow, learn and evolve.
The challenge is complex, but we must talk about it
While we recognize the complex challenges involved in this debate, it is crucial that we are open to understanding the difficulties faced by our loved ones and guiding them to seek the necessary professional help. In addition, we must take time to show our support by listening to their needs without judgment or criticism. Yellow September makes us aware of the importance of joining efforts to make a difference in the lives of many people.
Yellow September Campaign Link (Brazil)
Article 'The aging process and its relationship with suicide in the elderly: a bibliographic review'
Share your experiences and opinions in the comments and join us in our mission to spread the awareness about Yellow September and active aging. Your voice makes the difference! 💛
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