The Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement on Friday that 12 people, seven males and five females, committed suicide in the second quarter of this year.
According to the statement, eight of the cases involved local residents, while three were non-locals while one victim’s identity still remained unknown. The statement said that in the first half of the year the bureau recorded 22 cases of suicide, which is a 42.1 percent decrease year on year.
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 close attention to people around them to help prevent suicide cases from occurring. The bureau encouraged 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.
