Nine men and seven women committed suicide in Macao between July and September, the Health Bureau (SSM) has announced.
According to the SSM, 15 of the 16 cases involved local residents, while one was from overseas. The SSM said that 38 suicide cases have been recorded so far this year, a 30.9 per cent decrease year-on-year.
The SSM noted that according to World Health Organization (WHO) research, 800,000 people commit suicide around the world each year, corresponding to one death every 40 seconds. The SSM pointed out that 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 heredity. The SSM stressed that committing suicide is avoidable, adding that a united community is the key to preventing suicidal thoughts.
The bureau urged residents to pay close attention to people around them to help prevent suicide cases. The bureau encouraged residents to stay connected, communicate more often and care more about people who are struggling emotionally, The Macau Post Daily reported.
The bureau also said that its psychology clinics in Tap Seac, Fai Chi Kei, Areia Preta, Ocean Gardens and other locations are open to the public. Those who need free psychological consultations can call Caritas Macau’s lifeline on 2852 5222, to seek help.
