January is not just the beginning of the year; it is also the time to renew our commitments to mental health awareness, thanks to the Janeiro Branco campaign. Since its inception in 2014, this initiative has gained momentum across Brazil, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being at the start of the year when many people reflect on their lives and set new goals.
Raquel Cadore, president of the ACI-E, speaks passionately about the campaign, stating, "Mental health is not synonymous with mental illness. We need to work more on this subject, publicizing the importance of taking care of both physical and emotional health." This highlights the campaign's aim to remove the stigma surrounding mental health and to promote a culture of care within workplaces and communities.
One of the campaign's significant objectives is to prevent disorders such as anxiety and depression, which affect millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 80% of individuals with mental health issues are not receiving proper treatment. This alarming statistic underlines the need for initiatives like Janeiro Branco.
Paloma Graciano de Carvalho Moura, psychologist and manager of the Rede de Atenção Psicossocial (RAPS), emphasizes the need for collaboration with educational institutions to implement mental health care strategies. "We are seeking partnerships with schools and universities to facilitate mental health care actions during this campaign," said Moura. This cooperation is pivotal for establishing systemic support across various sectors of society.
The Cocari cooperative is also participating actively in the Janeiro Branco campaign, with psychologist Isadora Cinquini Benedetti discussing how emotional awareness is a form of self-care. "Knowing how to identify and deal with our emotions is the first step to avoid mental illness," she explains. The cooperative has organized multiple activities to inspire employees and local communities to reflect on the importance of caring for their emotional health.
Deputy Soldado Sampaio from the Assembleia Legislativa de Roraima (ALE-RR) has expressed the assembly's commitment to the campaign. "The routine of work, the pressures, and the obligations can affect mental health. Our concern is to guarantee actions to promote quality of life," he stated. The ALE-RR will provide psychological services and information campaigns throughout January to support their employees and the community.
Highlighting the connection between mental and physical health, psychiatrist Samuel Pinho from the Hospital de Saúde Mental warns against the physical consequences of neglected mental well-being. "This January, we encourage everyone to observe their emotions and identify signs of overload. Taking care of your mind is as important as taking care of your body," said Pinho. The relationship between mental stress and various chronic conditions, such as hypertension and heart disease, is well documented, making the campaign's message even more urgent.
From informative workshops to corporate initiatives, Janeiro Branco encompasses practical advice for daily life. Experts recommend strategies like setting realistic goals and indulging in hobbies to prevent mental health crises. Pinho adds, "The ideals of self-care should not be underestimated; they are fundamental for maintaining psychological balance."
The campaign's iconic white color symbolizes fresh starts, and it motivates individuals to write or rewrite their life stories. Leonardo Abraão, president of the Instituto Janeiro Branco, reminds participants of the significance of this symbolic gesture: “January White inspires everyone to take control of their narratives and pursue emotional wellness.”
Therefore, as we progress through January, the Janeiro Branco campaign serves as not merely awareness but as a rallying cry to integrate mental health care across all facets of life. The message is clear: mental health deserves as much attention as physical health. By continuing dialogues and providing access to resources, the campaign is setting the groundwork for healthier individuals and communities for years to come.