Change the Narrator: Give the Floor to the Protagonist of the Social Scene

For many years we have acted as translators of the pain suffered by individuals who are silenced by society. However, no one is better suited to speak of pain than those afflicted by it. Starting from this point, and after three decades dedicated to caring for people at high risk of suicide, NEPS – the Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide – concluded that, to “change the narrative about suicide,” and therefore produce systemic change, we should begin by changing the narrator. Proposing, as the theme of its campaign, “Changing the narrator: give the floor to the (prot)agonist of the social scene!” This alteration of positions in the discourse would provoke a change in perspective and, consequently, a greater probability of transforming society’s and governments’ perception of suicide.

In this way, it is assumed that the words of those who are submerged in extreme psychic suffering will have a greater possibility of reaching people in general and, in this way, promoting a deeper reflection on this suffering that has been denied for centuries due to the stigma that has been perpetuated in the consolidated view of these individuals. Hearing about suicide from the voice of those who have decided on death, and not from their interpreters, has an infinitely greater chance of awakening in society a more empathetic, respectful, and humane perception within society regarding those living this reality.

In 2026, in allusion to World Suicide Prevention Day, NEPS will hold the Seminar: “We/Knots” “in/of” the Network: Interactions in Care – in mental health and suicide prevention.

“We/Knots”[1] “of/on” the Network: Interactions in Care – in Mental Health and Suicide Prevention”

[1] In Brazilian Portuguese, “Nós” has a double meaning: “we”  and “knot,” and in the title it alludes to our place in the support network and to the “knots” that prevent the proper functioning of the networks.

This event will continue the campaign “Changing the Narrator: with the word, the (prot)agonist of the social scene” and aims to give voice to those attempting suicide, caregivers of those attempting suicide, and survivors bereaved by suicide to recount their experiences in the care networks: RAPS Network (Mental Health) and SUS Network (General Health), promoting dialogue with the Mental Health Coordinators of the state and municipality and representatives of institutions that defend civil rights.

The event’s main objectives are: to allow NEPS users, caregivers of users, and survivors to recount their experiences as users of care networks (networks full of nodes) to mental health coordinators and representatives of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Public Defender’s Office of the state of Bahia, so that, based on these accounts, dialogue can be facilitated. between the parties, especially by connecting the two extremes of the care networks: management with the end user, in a situation still shrouded in prejudice, suicide, in addition to giving civil rights representatives the opportunity to be close to and listen to those whose rights they represent.

The Seminar will feature two roundtables: the 1st composed of suicide attempters who are NEPS users, the Mental Health Coordinator of the State of Bahia and a representative of the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the State of Bahia; The second panel, in addition to caregivers of those attempting to conceive who are users of NEPS and bereaved survivors, will include the participation of the Mental Health Coordinator of the Municipality of Salvador and a representative from the Public Defender’s Office of the State of Bahia.

– Preceding the 1st Panel:

“THE AFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN HUMANS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: KNOTS THAT BIND HUMANS TO MACHINES AND UNTIE THEM FROM THE REAL WORLD.”   Soraya Carvalho.

– Following the 2nd Panel:

“HOW NEPS UNTIES KNOTS AND TIES BONDS.”  Maira Oliveira.

Closing:

“ART(CULA)[1] TIES BONDS AND UNTIES KNOTS”,

ART Presentations by NEPS users

Conclusion:

WE WILL CONCLUDE THE EVENT WITH A GATHERING FOR WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY.

[1] How NEPS articulates art with conventional treatment, through the users, we will show the effect of art on the mental health of the users.

This Seminar aims to improve listening skills, strengthen bonds, and expand the shared responsibility of the care network and public bodies responsible for upholding citizens’ constitutional rights.

To this end, on September 10, 2026, we will once again give voice to those who for so many years have had their pain censored, suffocated, and silenced. The unique aspect of this year’s proposal is that their voices will be publicized on platforms accessible to the general public. This means that, beyond the need to speak openly about suicide (as proposed by the Yellow September Campaign), we need to listen openly about suicide!

Now is the time for society and governments to listen to them and include them in discussions, taking into account what the protagonists of the social scene say about suicide and its prevention, so that, together, we can develop effective actions and public policies that address the needs and desires of those who have chosen death as an escape. This is because we understand that for a suicide prevention policy to be effective, it is not possible to do so without listening to those for whom the policy will be built. We believe that in this way it is possible to produce a significant reduction in the number of deaths by suicide.

This event, with the testimonies of users and the discussion with representatives of the civil rights will be recorded and made available on YouTube, with the express and signed authorization of all participants in the event, especially the users, whose interest is that their words be broadcast on the networks of the general public and thus reach civil society and government officials.