Anime themes and mental health discussions in Brazil

Anime productions often explore complex narratives and deep themes, ranging from intense action and political intrigue in series like ‘Attack on Titan’ to psychological battles in ‘Death Note’. Beyond entertainment, certain titles such as ‘Wonder Egg Priority’, ‘Orange’, and ‘Serial Experiments Lain’ address heavy subjects including depression, trauma, isolation, and suicide.

In Brazil, the discussion regarding these themes coincides with ‘Setembro Amarelo’, a suicide prevention campaign. Data from the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM) and DataSUS indicates a significant rise in suicide rates in the country. Deaths by suicide in Brazil increased from 6,743 in 1996 to 16,751 in 2024, representing a 148% increase. Statistics show that approximately 80% of victims are men, with the 30 to 39 age group being the most affected. The Southeast region recorded the highest absolute number of deaths at 33%.