Recent weeks have seen the report of several alleged suicide attempts, following the deaths of two students from a school in the Viseu district, putting the educational community on high alert.
The first death occurred in May at the end of the school year, and the second in September as a new year began. Subsequently, four more incidents involving suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts arose among teenagers from two technological courses at the same educational institution.
The school, alongside the local council, health unit, and the National Republican Guard (GNR), is working with a multidisciplinary team to aid affected students. The team of psychologists has been reinforced with personnel from the local government and the Local Health Unit Dão-Lafões. The Psychological Support and Crisis Intervention Centre (CAPIC) of the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) was also activated to provide necessary psychological support.
Psychological Support is “Essential” to Prevent “Contagion”
Psychologist Miguel Ricou emphasized to Notícias ao Minuto the importance of this support. “It is essential that these children have access to these professionals, to talk, so that psychologists can intervene in some way.”
This support, according to the President of the Council of the Specialty of Clinical and Health Psychology of the Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses, should be as comprehensive as possible to prevent a “difficult-to-contain contagion”.
Initially investigated by the GNR, the cases have moved to the jurisdiction of the Judiciary Police (PJ), and the Public Ministry (MP) has also opened an investigation into the matter.
Bullying? Student Stayed Home for Months
Parents are alarmed by the situation. One mother expressed her fear that her daughter might become the next victim, citing a pervasive feeling of danger among the students.
In May, the mother of a 17-year-old filed a report with the GNR after her son was allegedly threatened with a knife by classmates. The incident left the student fearful to the extent of staying home for months.
The school’s director, António Luís Ferreira, reportedly dismissed the situation, suggesting the student failed to adapt to the class and was making excuses to avoid attending.
Notícias ao Minuto reached out to the director, who indicated he was under “strict instructions not to make statements” regarding the ongoing process.
Criticism of the lack of response to these alleged bullying situations isn’t confined to these two mothers. The father of the young boy who died by suicide in September also noted persistent bullying at the school, stating he is open to exploring all possibilities.
Complaints about the investigation process emphasize the lack of reassuring answers. The incidents remain unclear, with references made to bullying, online challenges, and drug use.
“Adolescence is Difficult. People are Searching for Themselves”
Psychologist Miguel Ricou explained to Notícias ao Minuto that adolescence is a challenging phase marked by self-discovery, identification processes, and emotional crises, sometimes leading to dark motivations.
He urged parents to remain vigilant, have access to their children’s online networks, and impose periods without internet to cultivate other forms of interaction and skills development.
Ricou highlighted the importance of familial dialogue from early childhood, stating that strong relationships yield better conversations during times of crisis. Adolescents today face more diffuse social roles compared to the past, increasing the complexity of their situations.
The psychologist underscored the value of friends in mental health and encouraged open conversation. He advised motivating those in distress to seek help and encouraging communication through any appropriate channel.
Ricou concluded that timely intervention can be crucial, with many success stories of individuals who overcame suicidal thoughts now living fulfilling lives.
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If you are struggling with mental health issues or having self-destructive thoughts, or simply need someone to talk to, you should consult a psychiatrist, psychologist, or general practitioner. You can also contact one of these entities (all ensure anonymity for both caller and recipient):
Psychosocial Support of the Lisbon City Council
800 916 800 (24h/day)
SOS Voz Amiga – Emotional support and suicide prevention line
800 100 441 (3:30 pm to 12:30 am, free)
213 544 545 – 912 802 669 – 963 524 660 (4:00 pm to midnight)
Conversa Amiga (3 pm to 10 pm)
808 237 327 (3 pm to 10 pm, free) | 210 027 159
SOS Student – Emotional support and suicide prevention line
239 484 020 – 915246060 – 969554545 (8 pm to 1 am)
Hope’s Phone
222 080 707 (8 pm to 11 pm)
Friendship’s Phone
228 323 535 | 222 080 707 (4 pm to 11 pm)
SNS 24 Psychological Counseling – In SNS24, the contact is handled by health professionals
808 24 24 24 then select option 4 (24h/day)
National Suicide Prevention and Psychological Support Line (24h/day)
1411
