The Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement yesterday that 18 people, comprising nine males and nine females, committed suicide in the third quarter of this year.
According to the statement, 17 of the cases involved local residents, while one was a non-local. The victims were aged between 24 to 91.
The statement said that there was one suicide less in the third quarter than in the previous quarter, but two more than in the same quarter last year.
According to the statement, chronic, physical and mental diseases were the most probable causes of the suicides.
The statement noted that according to World Health Organisation (WHO) research, more than 700,000 people died by suicide worldwide in 2019, which means that one in every 100 deaths was a suicide.
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.
