Yellow September: volunteers mobilize to prevent suicide

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day, but the entire month is dedicated to the topic, hence Yellow September. The campaign started in Brazil in 2015, aims to raise awareness about suicide and how to avoid this tragedy. At the same time, there are discussions on the topic and walks are organized, and some places are decorated with the color yellow.

Places such as Cristo Redentor, the Congresso Nacional, the Catedral and the Paço Municipal de Fortaleza have already been lit up in yellow. 

The campaign organization believes that talking about the topic is a way of understanding people who go through situations that can lead to suicidal ideas, which can arise from depression or drug use. This way, it is possible to help from the moment these signs are identified. 

Thus, the campaign’s slogan is Falar é a Melhor Solução (Talking is the Best Solution), because, according to the organizers, raising awareness can prevent 9 out of 10 cases of suicide.

Origin of Yellow September 

According to the website of the Tribunal de Justiça do Distrito Federal and Territorios, a Regional Court of the Federal District, the campaign began in the United States, when young Mike Emme, aged 17, committed suicide in 1994. His parents and friends did not realize that he had serious psychological and they were unable to prevent his death. 

Mike was a very skilled young man and restored a 68 Mustang, painting it yellow, because of this, the car became known as Mustang Mike. On the day of the wake, a basket was made with many cards decorated with yellow ribbons and inside them the message: If you need it, ask for help. 

The initiative was the trigger for an important suicide prevention movement, as the cards actually reached the hands of people who needed support. As a result of this sad story, the yellow ribbon was chosen as a symbol of the fight against suicide.

Hot line 

If you are thinking about suicide, seek help or talk to someone. This is very important. The ideal is to seek psychological support, in addition to support from family and friends. It is also essential that the person in pain can talk about what they are feeling. 

If you feel deeply sad, have dark thoughts and, occasionally or frequently, think about taking your own life, call the Centro de Valorização da Vida (CVV – ‘Life Valuation Centre’, in English), on number 188, or visit the website.

CVV provides emotional support and suicide prevention. Through phone, email and chat 24 hours a day, every day of the week. The service is voluntary and free for everyone who needs someone to talk to. The service is also completely confidential. 

The national entity, founded in 1962, is completely independent and formed exclusively by volunteers. CVV offers support free of charge. It is recommended for those who normally feel lonely or need to talk confidentially, without judgement, criticism or comparisons. 

In-person services are still available at some addresses. Also, the service has no religious, party political or business bias. 

Find out how to contribute to the CVV 

You can volunteer or collaborate with the institution.