Forest go to Sunderland sitting five points clear of the dropzone.
“We are in a position where we are depending on us,” the Portuguese said. “We have our lives in our hands, this is what I have said to them.
“Now it is fighting to get points and to keep going. We need to keep fighting and trying to get points everywhere. Playing home or playing away, we need the right mentality to face the next challenge.
“The results we are getting means we are creating something consistent. We are competing in every game for results. This is the spirit I want to see from my team until the last game.
“I cannot say with three or six more points it is done. I believe this season will be special in terms of points needed to avoid relegation.
“We need to get points, try to get points tomorrow, try to get points in the next game after that. This is the only way to get the conditions to celebrate and to feel proud of ourselves.”
Forest are now unbeaten in the past seven games.
Pereira also said: “If I accept the (Forest) job, it means I believe in the team, the players, the club and the supporters and in our work.
“I’m very positive. I believe we have the talent, the character, the energy and the supporters to be in the Premier League next season.
“I believe we have to keep the mentality and keep the level; we have to be competitive until the last minute of the last game. This is what I’m trying to put in the mind of my team.”