Researchers from Brazil’s research foundation Fiocruz and Harvard University have carried out the first study on suicide among indigenous and non-indigenous people in Brazil. The North and Central-West had the highest risk among indigenous people.
According to psychiatrist Rodrigo Bressan, head of the Ame Sua Mente Institute, research indicates that 75% of adult mental disorders begin before the age of 24. In the case of teenagers, half start before the age of 14.
Among younger respondents, 26 percent reported that imposed beauty standards negatively impacted their mental health, while 16 percent cited fear of violence.
Poverty, violence, and racism have triggered severe mental health issues, especially in the Amazon area. Experts have linked local conflicts and illegal mining to the deterioration of mental health indicators.
In the view of Davi Fiuza Diniz, a specialist in elders and in mental health, the role of associations formed by patients and family members in rehabilitation is vital.