The Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement yesterday that 10 suicide cases were reported in the first quarter of the year, comprising seven males and three females.
According to the statement, nine of the cases involved local residents. The statement pointed out that the figure is a 44.4 percent decrease year-on-year and a 52.4 percent drop compared to the previous quarter.
The statement noted that according to World Health Organisation (WHO) research, 800,000 people die from suicide around the world each year, corresponding to one death every 40 seconds. The statement 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 biological inheritance. The statement stressed that committing suicide is avoidable, adding that a united community is the key to preventing suicidal thoughts.
The bureau urged residents to pay attention to people around them to help prevent suicide cases from occurring. The bureau encourages residents to stay connected, communicate more often and care more about people who are struggling emotionally.
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.
Image courtesy of Harvard University
