As this Thursday marks World Suicide Prevention Day, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Post spoke with four young residents yesterday about how they understand suicide prevention, the difficulties people may face when seeking help, and how friends, families, schools and society can provide support.
For 17-year-old high school student Ali, suicide prevention means ensuring that people experiencing difficulties do not feel isolated.
“To me, suicide prevention means making sure people do not feel alone when they are struggling,” Ali said, adding that listening without judgment, recognising warning signs and helping people access support are important to overcome suicide stigmas.
Ali said that people in Macau are becoming more open to discussing mental health, although some remain uncomfortable because of concerns about judgment, misunderstanding or family shame. The student also pointed to embarrassment, privacy concerns, cost and uncertainty about where to seek help as possible barriers.
Cedric, 22, who is a part timer, similarly said that hesitation and fear of being dismissed can prevent people from speaking openly.
“People hold back because they’re afraid of being mocked, told to ‘be a man,’ or made to feel like nobody actually cares,” Cedric said regarding whether local residents feel comfortable discussing suicide and mental health.
He also stressed the importance of paying attention to changes in a friend or loved one’s behaviour and maintaining contact with people who may be struggling. For Cedric, support means helping people through difficult periods rather than leaving them to cope alone.
Hiro, 17, who is also a senior high-school student, said suicide prevention involves helping people out of a difficult period in which suicide may appear to be their only option. She said that academic pressure and expectations surrounding young people can make it difficult to prioritise mental wellbeing.
“The biggest barrier to seeking help while struggling is being seen as less important, or as a failure,” Hiro said.
Hiro also highlighted the importance of recognising struggles early, stating that her personal difficulties had previously gone unnoticed and eventually reached a critical point. She also said earlier recognition could have made a difference.
For 22-year-old Omar, also a part timer, greater awareness of mental health among younger generations has emerged in recent years, but awareness does not necessarily translate into knowing how to respond to someone experiencing severe distress.
“However, there is a distinct gap between awareness and actionable care,” Omar said, arguing that mental health education could be more deeply incorporated into schools, workplaces and everyday life.
Omar said that meaningful support does not necessarily require finding the perfect words. Instead, it can involve listening, remaining present and offering practical assistance, such as helping someone access counselling or accompanying them to an appointment.
The four interviewees gave different perspectives on suicide prevention, but emphasised the importance of reducing judgment and isolation and making support easier to access. Their responses also highlight the importance of recognising that people experiencing mental health difficulties may not always directly ask for help.
For Omar, the most important response is not necessarily a motivational speech, but simply being present.
“People worry so much about finding the right words or fixing the problem, but really, just listening and being present is what matters,” Omar said.
Image courtesy of Indiana State Government
