Brazil is ranked 5th in the world ranking of countries with the highest number of people affected by depression, with around 11.5 million individuals, representing 5.8% of the population. The disease is the main cause of disability in the world and one of the most associated with suicidal ideation. However, the diagnosis of depression in Brazil takes, on average, 39 months, highlighting the importance of expanding dialogue on the topic and encouraging the search for specialized treatment.
To help with this awareness process, Johnson & Johnson launched the series “Falar Inspira Vida, the series: Stories to Laugh and Reflect”which seeks to inform and raise awareness among patients, families, healthcare professionals and the general public. The production addresses depression in an educational way, with inspiring stories that highlight the importance of seeking specialized help and demystifying the stigmas surrounding the disease.
With four episodes, the series, presented in a format inspired by stand-up comedy, features fictional stories based on real situations of people who overcame personal and social prejudices about depression and psychiatric treatment. The narrative combines lightness and humor to address a serious topic, helping to raise awareness about the impact of depression on people’s lives.
“In the first episode, the character Daiane summarizes her experience with depression as a big ‘why’, which affects all areas of life. Psychiatrist, professor and researcher Cintia Perico highlights that ‘it’s not just sadness that people feel when they’re depressed. They may just feel empty or that lack of desire to do anything. Depression is also not something new or lack of things to do’”, explains the specialist.
The characters Daiane, Paulo, Daniel and Roberta help to demystify depression with honesty and good humor. The series warns that, without early diagnosis and adequate treatment, depression can harm social activities, socializing with other people and performance at work and studies. “The support network is also essential for the process of accepting the disease, in encouraging the search for specialized help that involves a psychiatrist and a psychologist, and in adhering to treatment”, says Neila Campos, president of ABRATA, an organization that supports the campaign.
Flávia Favaro, director of communications at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine in Brazil, reinforces the objective of the series: “Through this initiative we want to reinforce our commitment to raising awareness in society about such an important topic and reaching out to people who may be experiencing some symptom of depression and talk about the importance of seeking professional help, in addition to encouraging those who have already been diagnosed to persist in treatment and seek a life free from symptoms of the disease”.
The series is part of the campaign “Speaking Inspires Life”launched by Johnson & Johnson in 2019, which continues to this day to reshape the debate on depression and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The campaign includes messages for the support network and healthcare professionals, addressing the importance of ongoing treatment and seeking support.
Directed by Fiteiro and general coordination by Muda Cultural, the series features actors Daniel Dom Pedro and Will Mezzacapa and actresses Laura Castro and Priscila Castelo Branco. Production is available at www.falarinspiravida.com.br and also on @jnjinnovativemedicinebrasil social networks.
Watch episode 1:
