Deputy Joana Darc defends the importance of the White January Campaign

Care

About to graduate in veterinary medicine, the parliamentarian also warned about the emotional health of pets

Manaus (AM) – Author of Law No. 5,699/2021, which established the White January Campaign, aimed at stimulating and caring for mental health and well-being in Amazonas, deputy Joana Darc (UB) highlighted the importance of actions aimed at both people and for animals. About to graduate in veterinary medicine, the parliamentarian also warned about the emotional health of pets.

According to data from the latest mapping on depression, carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023, 5.8% of the Brazilian population suffers from depression, equivalent to 11.7 million Brazilians. Brazil appears second only to the United States, where 5.9% of the population suffers from depression disorders. For Joana, the objective of the Campaign is to make affected people seek professional help.

“This campaign serves as a warning to remember that no one is made of iron, we are all susceptible to mental and physical fatigue. So, we are using digital media to try to reach people who suffer from depression and anxiety so that they seek help, whether from friends or family, but give preference to professional help”,

highlighted.

Animals are also targets

President of the Commission for the Protection of Animals, the Environment and Sustainable Development of the Legislative Assembly of Amazonas (CPAMA-Aleam), Joana Darc highlighted that pets also suffer mental health risks when it comes to emotional distress, as they are sentient beings, that is , they have the ability to feel emotions and physical sensations, such as pain, stress and anxiety.

According to experts, stress, as well as other mental health problems such as depression, can affect domestic animals. The parliamentarian, who is a defender of the animal cause, asks the owner to pay attention to the signs of their pet.

“We need to pay attention to our animals, as signs such as lack of appetite, sadness, unusual aggression, atypical isolation and severe apathy are examples that they need help. In these cases, I suggest that you seek the help of a veterinarian to help improve your pet’s health as quickly as possible. So, this White January, let’s remember them who help us so much”,

he said.

More about the Law

Joana also requested that the White January Campaign, through the organization and voluntary participation of health professionals, as well as artists, communicators and the interested population, can publicize the importance of each citizen reflecting on their mental health, emotional conditions, quality of life and about the emotional quality of their relationships.

Health actions that ensure the prevention, detection and treatment of depression and anxiety, and encourage actions that highlight the color white, which symbolizes the campaign, are also part of the Law’s guidelines.

*With information from consultancy

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