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.
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.
“We’ve been trying to engage families. Don’t ignore the signs, especially from kids and teenagers,” said Minister of Women, Family, and Human Rights Cristiane Britto.
Sarah de Aguiar was 13 years old when she started to cut herself. She would have continued to inflict injuries on herself had she not been interrupted by her mother, Weslayne de Aguiar. After promising never to do it again, Sarah asked for help in her school.