Análise do “Curso de Atendimento a Tentativas de Suicídio (CATS)” na prevenção do suicídio dos agentes da segurança pública no Ceará

Abstract

Even with its drastic and irreversible nature, suicide is still common: According to the WHO, every 40 seconds a person takes their own life. As for the police and public security agents, suicide is, in many places, the main cause of death for these individuals. The state of Ceará, compared to the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, has similar suicide rates, being proportionally higher when taking into account the large difference in the total number of public security agents between the three states. Observing the severity of this problem, mobilizations with public policies that work on suicide prevention and mental health promotion are expected. Considering this context, the research described here has the general objective of analyzing how the activities carried out by CATS can contribute to the prevention of suicide by public security agents in Ceará. CATS is a course originated in Ceará that trains security and public health agents, as well as agents from related areas, to deal with suicide attempts in situations where the individual is on the verge of consummating the act. The course has a humanized approach and focuses on dialogue, leaving more abrupt interventions as a last measure to prevent death. This research is an exploratory and descriptive qualitative study that used the following data collection techniques: interview, observation, documental research and also literature review and research. According to the course manager, CATS provides great mental support for its students in order to allow them to help and intervene to everyone around them, including themselves, which is essential for the prevention of suicide of these individuals and people close to them. they. In addition, the CATS manager also points out the breaking of the taboo on the subject among public security agents as one of the course actions that most impact these workers. With the recognition of the problem being the first step, CATS is vital as a public policy in itself and as an instrument for the introduction of other public policies aimed at preventing the suicide of these agents. Therefore, it is important to understand that CATS is still in its initial stage, but it already shows high potential, having international prominence and managing to save lives inside and outside the scope of public security agents.