According to Lucia Helena Rangel, coordinator of the Cimi report, at Folha de São Paulo, the increase in violence against these people and the lack of medical assistance are determining factors
The number of suicides among indigenous people in Brazil increased significantly from 2022 to 2023. A sad reality that highlights the growing vulnerability of this population. Last year, 180 cases were registered, compared to 115 the previous year, according to an investigation by the Indigenous Missionary Council (CIMI).
Most of the suicides occurred among men between 20 and 59 years old, but the tragedy also affected young people up to 19 years old, with 59 cases recorded. These statistics, collected by the Mortality Information System (SIM) and the Secretariat of Indigenous Health (Sesai), reflect a serious social and health crisis.
Second Lucia Helena Rangel, coordinator of the Cimi report, at the Folha de São Paulo, the increase in violence against indigenous populations and the lack of medical assistance are determining factors. “When we combine the increase in violence, suicides and mortality, we realize that there is a lack of assistance. The community is abandoned”says the anthropologist and researcher from PUC-SP.
The increase in suicides among indigenous populations reflects the lack of basic healthcare. Cases increase by 56% in a year; Brazil has 117 psychologists to serve more than 800 thousand villages (Folha)
— Blog Noblat (@blogdonoblat.bsky.social) September 30, 2024 at 10:54 am
Where are the most frequent cases of suicide among indigenous people?
The state of Amazonas leads the way in the number of suicides, with 66 cases, followed by Mato Grosso do Sul with 37 and Roraima with 19 cases. Jesem Orellanaepidemiologist from Fiocruz, explains to Folha de São Paulo that in addition to mental health problems, socioeconomic factors and territorial conflicts also contribute to this situation.
The Sesai, responsible for the national health policy for indigenous populations, has only 117 psychologists for 801.8 thousand people in 6,800 villages. The small number of professionals in relation to the need contributes to the high suicide rate. “The vast majority of suicide victims experienced some mental health difficulty and had some disorder that was not identified or poorly managed by the health service,” says Orellana.
The story of Eliana Karajaindigenous leader, underlines the importance of psychological support. She almost succumbed to the same fate as many of her peers, but managed to overcome it thanks to the support of a psychologist who helped her online. This report highlights the need for a greater presence of mental health professionals in Indigenous communities.
The Ministry of Health reported that it increased the budget for psychosocial care and implemented specific actions on indigenous lands. This includes psychosocial surveillance, training teams composed of indigenous peoples and promoting the “good life” for young people. Since 2023, the number of psychologists specializing in indigenous lands has increased from 34 to 117, according to the ministry’s note.
Source: Terra
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