Yellow afternoon

an experience report on a suicide prevention action

Abstract

In recent years, due to the increase in mental health deterioration observed through epidemiological data worldwide, there is a growing concern regarding cases of depression and suicide. Thus, in September, dedicated to suicide prevention, medical students from the University of the Joinville Region decided to address this issue with young people in situations of social vulnerability. Consequently, “Yellow afternoon” emerged. In this sense, a joint action between the Academic League of Legal Medicine and the local Standing Committee on Public Health of the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations enabled an interactive afternoon with adolescents. A lecture was conducted by the students, followed by a modeling clay dynamic, promoting, in practice, the concept of resilience. The dynamic was based on art therapy, which helps in the organization of feelings, being a great ally in the therapeutic process. In this way, the activity contributed to the deconstruction of taboos and to raising awareness about the dimensions of the theme, encouraging the awareness and empathy of the participants. Finally, the importance of talking about this is highlighted, promoting a reflection on the magnitude of a support network and protective factors.