Health Bureau (SSM) officials have called for greater public awareness in the wake of 10 suicides – seven men and three women – in the first three months of this year.
The bureau urged residents to pay attention to people around them to help prevent suicides, stressing that they should stay connected, communicate more often and care more about people who are struggling emotionally.
Nine of the cases involved local residents. The 10 suicides represent a 44.4 per cent decrease year-on-year and a 52.4 per cent drop compared to the previous quarter, The Macau Post Daily reported.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 800,000 people commit suicide around the world each year, corresponding to one death every 40 seconds.
Even though the reasons for suicide can be complicated they are usually caused by mental disease, psychological factors, socio-economic reasons, family struggles, interpersonal relationships or biological inheritance. The SSM stressed that committing suicide is avoidable, adding that a united community is the key to preventing suicidal thoughts.
Psychology clinics in Tap Seac, Fai Chi Kei, Areia Preta, Ocean Gardens and other locations are open to the public, and free psychological consultations are available from Caritas Macau’s lifeline on 2852 5222.
