On the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day today, the Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement that members of the public should pay attention to their own mental health and that of their family members, and create an environment of understanding, tolerance and support for each other.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2024 to 2026 is Changing the Narrative on Suicide, aiming to raise public awareness of mental health by encouraging open and frank discussions.
The statement suggested a few steps to relieve stress – firstly, it is important to understand the sources of stress and avoid complicating or over-worrying about one’s problems; secondly, share stress with family members, friends or colleagues, and seek their support; thirdly, it is also important to give oneself plenty of time to relax, and one can relieve stress by exercising, deep breathing or meditating. However, if these methods are still ineffective in relieving stress, one should seek professional assistance, the bureau said in the statement.
The bureau will continue to make efforts to set up social support networks and create a culture of mental health promotion, with a view to reducing discriminatory labelling, and it will also encourage people to not hesitate to seek psychological support and the use of medical and health services for self-health management.
In order to better care for the mental health of the population, the government has established an inter-departmental collaboration mechanism, under which the Health Bureau, the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS), the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) and social service organisations maintain close communication and cooperation for the provision of mental health-related services, mobilising community participation at different levels, including family, schools and the community, according to the statement.
The bureau has set up mental health out-patient clinics in eight health centres and continues to subsidise two non-profit-making organisations to provide psychological counselling services, while the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre has set up an emergency liaison mechanism in conjunction with the city’s health centres and social service organisations to follow up on and refer cases. Moreover, in order to be able to deal with emergencies immediately, the public hospital offers a 24-hour specialist service on mental health.
This undated photo provided by the Health Bureau (SSM) yesterday shows the mental health team members of the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre posing for a group photo.
