Macau has recorded a total of 38 suicides between January and September this year, a decrease of 30.9% compared to the previous year according to data recently released by the Health Bureau.
Between July and September, there were 16 suicides (nine men and seven women), of which 15 (93.8%) victims were residents. One was a non-resident worker.
Last year, the city’s suicide cases totaled to 76, including 65 residents (41 men and 24 women).
The total 2020 suicide rate was 11.1 per 100,000 inhabitants, an increase of 13.3% compared to 2019.
“A single case of suicide is too many, so cooperation between all sectors of society is necessary for all of us to protect our lives”, the SSM previously stated in an announcement.
According to the World Health Organization worldwide, in 2019 more than 700,000 people committed suicide worldwide — one in every 100 deaths was a suicide case.
The causes of suicide are complex and often involve several factors. Therefore, SSM reminds those suffering or facing difficulties to seek help from health professionals.
The bureau also noted that its health centers have opened an external mental health consultations, including the following locations: Tap Seac, Fai Chi Kei, Areia Preta, Ilha Verde, Jardins do Oceano, Nossa Senhora do Carmo — Lago, and Praia do Manduco.
Previously, local psychologists the Times has spoken to attributed increases in anxiety and depression last year to the unemployment situation in the SAR caused by the pandemic outbreak.
Another ongoing issue is the inability to overcome the stigma of mental illness, which has led people with mental health concerns to “save face” and refrain from seeking help, according to a study conducted last year by the Fuhong Society of Macau and the University of Macau.
The study showed there was a larger proportion of residents suffering from depression in Macau than in Hong Kong or the mainland.
The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) encourages residents to be conscious of their psychological and emotional state, as well as those of their relatives and friends. If in need, residents can call Caritas’ Life Hope hotline (28525222) or IAS’ counseling hotline (28261126).
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