For the Salesians, who work with adolescents and young people, the question is concrete and direct: why does an adolescent want to die? "It is a difficult question, which challenges us as a society, as a family, as institutions and as a state," explains Sonia Almada, a specialist in the field. "Where we adults are, who should watch over the well-being and development of adolescents, but do we not feel instead suffering, oppression and desolation?"
Because of the high number of depressed young people, who experience situations of self-harm and, in extreme cases, attempt suicide, this socio-family meeting took place, with the participation of Fr Lício Vale, an adolescent suicide expert. During the meeting, there was a frank and open dialogue with the parents. "It was an intense moment, because we had the opportunity to break several taboos," said Jonas de Camargo, assistant coordinator of the Professional Center.
Fr Lício demystified the concepts of depression, self-harm, intimidation and suicide and explained the reason for these practices and the role of the family in this context. During the presentation, he emphasized three important attitudes to be adopted in a case of depression: do not judge, accompany and seek help. "Attitudes like the trivialization of what the teenager is feeling and behaving as if it were 'normal' only reinforces the negative moment the young person is experiencing," the expert said.
"As adults, we must be careful and must not underestimate the changes in the behavior and mood of adolescents," Celia Antonini said. "With the theme of suicide there is a myth that we must begin to dispel: whoever talks about it, doesn't do it. People who commit suicide may or may not say so, without distinction."
No teenager wants to die. If a teenager feels hopelessly alone, without reference, it is because no one has listened to him or her. We need educators who are able to listen, accompany and have the ability to look at the inner world of adolescents and young people.
