Amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, stopping to talk about September Yellow and Suicide Prevention is more than necessary – it’s vital. Did you know that effective prevention actions can start in the most unexpected places?

With Clinical Hypnosis, for example, we at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH) have achieved beautiful results. And you, who want to contribute positively to people’s lives, whether you are a healthcare professional or someone who just wants to make a difference, can also be part of this.

That’s right! But you might be wondering now: “But how could I, a layperson, help with this?”. I assure you, it’s much less complicated than it seems. And that’s what we want to talk to you about in this article.

Let’s together better understand this important topic, which is suicide prevention, and how clinical hypnosis – a practice that is our passion and specialty – can be a powerful tool in this task.

We will also show you how you can get trained in this area and start a journey marked by contributions that can be truly transformative. So, are you ready to embark on this with us? Let’s go!

Understanding September Yellow and its purpose

September Yellow is a worldwide movement for suicide awareness and prevention. The campaign, created in Brazil in 2015 by the Center for the Appreciation of Life (CVV), Federal Council of Medicine (CFM), and Brazilian Psychiatric Association (ABP), has the main objective of preventing and reducing the alarming numbers of suicides that occur every year in the country and the world.

The main strategy of September Yellow Suicide Prevention is to openly talk about the subject, raising awareness in society about the importance of discussing the issue and disseminating information that can help in prevention. With this, the movement seeks to encourage those who need help to seek support and appropriate treatment.

Throughout September, various actions are carried out to alert the population about the reality of suicide and its prevention methods. Lectures, discussion groups, and distribution of informational leaflets are some of the activities.

However, it is important to emphasize that suicide prevention is not limited to September. It is a daily and constant challenge. We all can and should contribute to reducing these numbers.

Causes and risk factors of suicide

The causes of suicide are often multifactorial stemming from a complex interaction of biological, genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Feelings of deep anguish and hopelessness can lead a person to consider suicide as the only way out. Life may lose its color, and the person may feel unbearable pain.

There are also risk factors that can increase the likelihood of suicide. This includes psychiatric disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. Experiences of physical or sexual abuse, neglect, loss of a loved one, unemployment, or divorce are some of the traumatic situations that can also trigger suicidal thoughts.

The use of alcohol and drugs can amplify these feelings and thoughts, making the situation even more dangerous. Additionally, previous suicide attempts are an important risk factor. Some chronic physical illnesses, such as chronic and disabling pain, can also increase the risks.

It is crucial to understand and recognize these risk factors and foster a true conversation about “September Yellow Suicide Prevention”. The important thing is to never ignore or disregard these signs. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Finally, it is worth noting that not all people with these risk factors will attempt suicide. However, it is essential to be aware and attentive to these signs to offer support and professional help when necessary.

The role of clinical hypnosis in suicide prevention

In suicide awareness and prevention, clinical hypnosis plays a strategic role. The first thing I need to clarify here is that clinical hypnosis is not a trick but a carefully science-backed tool to help people manage their emotional problems.

Imagine the following situation: a person has constant suicidal thoughts. This happens because their emotions are overloaded – bordering on the unbearable – and the options to relieve this pain seem scarce. Here, clinical hypnosis can be fundamental.

With this approach, the hypnosis professional can guide the individual to a state of relaxation, allowing more effective communication with their emotions and thoughts. In this state, the professional can suggest positive and more adaptive ways for the person to deal with their problems.

This does not mean that hypnosis is a miracle cure. Its main goal is to provide the individual with a sense of control over their feelings, sensations, and emotions. With this ability to manage and modify their own thought patterns, the person gains a new perspective and empowering resources to deal with life’s difficulties.

Therefore, clinical hypnosis, when used appropriately by trained and ethical professionals, can be a key piece in suicide prevention. Shall we continue our journey of knowledge to understand this better?

What is clinical hypnosis and how does it work

Clinical hypnosis is defined as an intentionally induced state of consciousness, with intense focus on attention and reduced peripheral awareness. This increased concentration allows the person to have a greater capacity for suggestion, that is, to receive new ideas and perspectives.

So, how does it work? By using relaxation and focused concentration techniques, we help the person reach an altered state of consciousness. This state can be compared to what happens when you are so absorbed in a book or movie that you lose track of time and space around you. In this state of hypnosis, it is easier for the person to accept changes and new ways of thinking and acting.

Contrary to what many think, during clinical hypnosis, the person is not asleep or unconscious. They are alert all the time and have full control over their actions.

It is important to emphasize that hypnosis is not just “making the person sleep and giving orders”. It is a dynamic, interactive, and collaborative process between the hypnotherapist and the client. The role of hypnosis in “September Yellow – Suicide Prevention” is to help the person find their own inner strength and develop effective coping strategies.

In the next session, we will talk in more detail about how clinical hypnosis can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Clinical hypnosis and the reduction of stress and anxiety

We, at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis, strongly believe that clinical hypnosis can play a crucial role in reducing stress and anxiety. This is especially important when considering September Yellow, the suicide prevention campaign that has as one of its main objectives the reduction of these contributing factors to suicide.

Imagine stress and anxiety as a weight you carry with you every day. Now, visualize clinical hypnosis removing this weight, relieving the burden on your shoulders. As if you had moved a large obstacle from your path, you can see more clearly and move more easily from one place to another.

Clinical hypnosis allows you to reach a state of deep relaxation. However, this does not mean that you are ‘off’ or unconscious. On the contrary, you are in a position where you can pay concentrated attention and have a greater capacity to respond to suggestion.

Anxiety often generates intrusive thoughts and constant worries, often based on irrational fears or exaggerated expectations. When you are anxious, the real world may seem much more threatening and challenging than it really is. Through clinical hypnosis, you can regain control of your thoughts and reduce anxiety.

The same applies to stress. Clinical hypnosis offers tools to effectively deal with stress, whether motivated by work, personal relationships, or any other source of tension. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by stress, you can learn to manage it and regain control of your life.

Now, imagine being able to offer this opportunity for stress and anxiety relief to others. As a hypnotherapist, you will have the power to help people find calm and serenity, effectively contributing to suicide prevention. Clinical hypnosis can be a valuable tool in your mission!

Clinical hypnosis and cognitive restructuring

Clinical hypnosis can effectively integrate into contexts of cognitive restructuring. This approach aims to alter negative thoughts and behavior patterns that are often at the core of feelings such as distress and depression.

With the help of hypnosis, it is possible to directly access these thoughts. It acts as a bridge to the conscious and automatic thoughts. It helps in identifying and changing the interpretation made by the individual of situations that cause suffering.

The process includes stages such as induction, in which the individual is guided to a state of relaxation and intensified focus. Then, through therapeutic suggestions, the work of restructuring thoughts occurs.

The professional can use visualization techniques, for example, where the patient is encouraged to imagine positive scenarios or different ways of reacting to stress and anxiety triggers.

This cognitive restructuring using hypnosis proves to be a relevant strategy in the context of September Yellow Suicide Prevention. It allows the person to develop a healthier and more adaptive perspective, which contributes to reducing emotional suffering and suicidal thoughts.

However, it is essential to emphasize that hypnosis should be used by certified professionals and in conjunction with other treatment strategies to ensure a complete and effective intervention.

Clinical hypnosis and development of coping skills

Clinical hypnosis has a versatile approach adaptable to various situations. One notable use is the development of coping skills. In this context, “September Yellow Suicide Prevention” is a cause that can be reinforced by this powerful tool.

Life is full of stressful and challenging situations. For people with emotional vulnerability, it can be more difficult to deal with these adversities. Hypnosis can help develop skills that aid in better handling emotional pain. It’s like making the patient more resilient to the adverse effects of life.

How does this happen?

• Reinforcement of positive messages: During hypnosis sessions, we reinforce positive messages in the patient so they can better handle stressful situations.
• Addressing past problems and traumas: Hypnosis can help identify and deal with past problems and traumas that still affect the patient in the present.
• Behavioral changes: Hypnosis can also help the patient change harmful behaviors, such as excessive alcohol or drug use, which can contribute to the risk of suicide.

In summary, by working on effective coping skills, hypnosis enhances the path towards resilience, helping people to deal more healthily with life and reduce their risk of suicide.

Proven strategies in suicide prevention

Addressing suicide prevention requires various integrated strategies. Talking openly about it is the first step of the September Yellow Suicide Prevention campaign. This action aims to break taboos, helping people realize the importance of mental and emotional health.

Early identification of people at risk is crucial. Trained professionals must be attentive to the signs and symptoms presented. At SBH, we believe that clinical hypnosis, combined with evidence-based practices, can contribute to a more attentive look at the small details.

Mental health education plays a vital role in prevention. Educating the population about the signs and symptoms of suicide can enable the identification of individuals at risk of suicide, allowing for appropriate intervention.

Just like other physical and mental health conditions, each person may respond differently to various forms of treatment. Alongside medication therapies, clinical hypnosis proves to be a valid approach.

The active participation of the community should not be neglected. Connection with family, friends, and emotional support networks is vital for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.

How to seek professional help and what options are available

If you feel motivated to offer support in situations of emotional crisis, clinical hypnosis may be a path to explore. However, it is very essential to seek proper training and certification from renowned institutes, such as the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH).

Having a certificate from a respected and accredited institution not only increases your employability but also provides the necessary security for ethical and effective patient care.

Don’t forget to stay updated. Continuing improvement practices are valuable in the health field, as research is always evolving.

Clinical hypnosis, as addressed by SBH, aims to integrate this method with other already established therapeutic approaches. This means that training in cognitive-behavioral therapy, “mindfulness”, and even concepts like Daniel Kahneman’s “fast and slow” and Irving Kirsch’s “Open Placebo” can be very useful in your practice.

Hypnosis is a clinical tool recognized by the main health regulatory entities in Brazil. These include professionals from various fields, such as dentistry, medicine, psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapies, nursing, and speech therapy.

By seeking such tools, you will be joining a growing community of mental health professionals, contributing to September Yellow Suicide Prevention and helping to create a world where emotional suffering is understood and treated with the dignity it deserves.

Community contribution to suicide prevention

The community plays a crucial role in suicide prevention, especially during September Yellow. It is in this union of efforts that a safe and welcoming environment is created for people in situations of psychological vulnerability.

There are some important steps that can be taken, such as forming a local support network. This network can include mental health support groups, healthcare professionals, non-profit organizations, among others. It is important that this network is prepared to understand and welcome people going through psychological crises.

Another step is the dissemination of correct information about mental health and suicide. This includes breaking stigmas, promoting open and clear dialogue about these topics, and encouraging those in need to seek professional help.

Simultaneously, educational actions are fundamental. Workshops, lectures, and courses can be promoted for the community to better understand mental health issues and how to act in a crisis.

Talking is the best solution, and this applies to both those who are suffering and the people around them who don’t know how to handle the situation. Listening without judgment and with empathy can save lives.

With everyone’s collaboration, we can make a difference in such a complex and delicate problem. After all, suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility.

Conclusion

Reflecting on September Yellow and Suicide Prevention is an act of humanity and awareness. Within this perspective, clinical hypnosis stands out as an effective and promising tool at the forefront of this fight. As we have seen throughout the article, clinical hypnosis can relieve stress and anxiety, provide cognitive restructuring, and develop coping skills, potential allies in the journey of suicide prevention.

However, to act on this cause, proper training is essential. It is crucial that this practice is carried out by trained and ethical professionals, capable of providing a caring and respectful environment for the patient. Otherwise, the tool can cause more harm than benefit.

Finally, suicide prevention is a responsibility for all of us. Each of us, in our community, can contribute to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and make a difference in the lives of people facing an internal battle.

If you are inspired to make a difference and want to add clinical hypnosis to your professional toolkit, I invite you to learn about the evidence-based hypnosis training and postgraduate courses at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis. You can discover more about the options available at the link: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos/. Join us and make a difference!

Frequently Asked Questions

How does clinical hypnosis help in suicide prevention?

Clinical hypnosis helps patients explore the root of their suicidal thoughts. It deals with past traumas, feelings of hopelessness, and depression, which are often the triggers for suicide. Hypnosis provides a safe space for patients to express their feelings, where they can work on cognitive restructuring to change their reactions to stress and anxiety situations.

Is clinical hypnosis the only strategy for suicide prevention?

No, clinical hypnosis is just one of several strategies used in suicide prevention. Other strategies may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, support from friends and family networks, and support groups. It is important to remember that each person is unique, so what works for one individual may not work for another.

What should I do when I suspect someone I know is thinking about suicide?

If you suspect that someone you know is thinking about suicide, the first step should be to talk to that person about your concerns in a sensitive and non-judgmental manner. Encourage them to seek professional help. There are many options available, such as: emergency care, suicide prevention helplines, general practitioners, psychiatrists, and hypnotherapists.

How can I contribute to suicide prevention in my community?

There are several ways to contribute to suicide prevention in your community. Organizing mental health awareness events, offering support to those struggling, and encouraging them to seek professional help are some examples. It is important to always encourage open conversation about mental health and suicide prevention.

Can general practitioners use clinical hypnosis in suicide prevention?

General practitioners can refer to a hypnotherapist or another specialized mental health professional when they suspect a risk of suicide. Although they are not usually trained in hypnotherapy, they can use motivational interviews and cognitive-behavioral therapies in their practice, which are also effective in suicide prevention.