The Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement on Friday that it recorded between July and September 16 suicide cases, involving nine males and seven females.
According to the statement, 15 of the 16 cases involved local residents, while one was a non-local person. The statement underlined that 38 suicide cases have been recorded so far this year, a 30.9 decrease year-on-year.
The statement noted that according to World Health Organisation (WHO) research, 800,000 people commit 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 heredity. 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.
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