Caritas Macau Secretary-General Paul Pun Chi Meng said on Sunday that people should accept their negative emotions and find a way to overcome them, in order to prevent possible suicide.
Pun made the comments during a launch ceremony for “Walk With Life” activities to mark the World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) on September 10 organised by Caritas’ Hoi Fai Life Education and Resources Centre, in Fai Chi Kei district.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and World Health Organisation (WHO) have been organising WSPD annually since 2003 to raise awareness of suicide prevention.
The WSPD slogan this year is “Working Together to Prevent Suicide”.
According to Health Bureau (SSM) statistics, there have been 29 suicides so far this year.
According to the Macau Post Daily, Pun said that when people have negative emotions, communication is important.
“We can simply sit quietly beside them, and that’s enough…. It’s really to let them know that ‘No matter what happens, someone is always there with you to go through the darkest period’,” Pun explained.
There are a series of activities, such as road shows and talks, taking place until September 10.
In addition, a candlelight vigil will be held in Iao Hon Park on September 10.