Macau recorded 28 suicides – 14 males and 14 females – in the first quarter, 18 more than in the same quarter of last year, the Health Bureau (SSM) announced yesterday.
According to an SSM statement, 25 of the victims were locals, while three were non-residents.
In the fourth quarter of 2021, Macau recorded 22 suicides.
According to the statement, chronic, physical and mental diseases, gambling issues and financial problems were the most probable causes of the suicides.
The victims were aged between 23 and 91.
The statement pointed out that while Macau's suicide numbers are subject to quarterly fluctuations, last quarter's number was "significantly high".
The bureau acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic that has been affecting Macau for more than two years has "inevitably" resulted in psychological problems among the local population such as different degrees of anxiety, depression and stress.
In response to the pandemic, the bureau urged residents to lead a healthy lifestyle such as a balanced diet, physical exercise and enough sleep, as well as not to smoke and to reduce alcohol intake.
The bureau underlined that some of its public health centres as well several community associations are offering mental health consultations. It also urged all those beset by anxiety or despair to phone Macau Caritas's Life Hope Hotline - 28525222 for Cantonese and 28525777 for English speakers.
