Brazil mental health: Setembro Amarelo campaign addresses rising disorder rates

The Setembro Amarelo (Yellow September) campaign highlights the critical need for mental health awareness and genuine empathy in Brazil. Data from the Social Security system indicates a significant rise in mental health issues, with over 546,000 disability benefits granted for mental and behavioral disorders in 2025, a 15% increase from 2024. Furthermore, the Brazilian Public Security Yearbook recorded 16,025 suicides in 2023.

Beyond statistics, the campaign emphasizes that true support involves active listening and noticing changes in those around us, rather than just posting social media messages. To support this awareness, certain media productions are recommended for their themes of hope and resilience. For instance, the series ‘Ted Lasso’ explores mental health and the importance of support networks, while the film ‘Soul’ encourages reflection on purpose and the value of everyday life.