Gov’t prioritizes suicide prevention efforts, says IAS chief

In the first quarter of this year, the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) received 84 suicide-related reports, while the Health Bureau (SSM) recorded 18 suicide deaths, comprising 13 males and five females aged 29 to 72, with 16 being local residents.

The SSM stated recently that the leading causes of suicide deaths in the first quarter were primarily related to gambling or financial issues, mental illness, and chronic or physical conditions.

Both bureaus noted a decrease in these figures compared to the same period last year, which saw 22 suicide deaths and 99 suicide-related cases in the first quarter of 2024.

Additionally, according to the SSM, there were seven fewer suicide deaths than in the previous quarter.

Last year, Macau recorded 22 suicide deaths in the first quarter, comprising 12 males and 10 females aged 17 to 75. According to the Health Bureau, the causes of suicide were likely related to mental illness, as well as chronic or physical diseases.

In response to the recent spate of suspected suicide cases, authorities held an interdepartmental meeting on Friday to discuss strengthening mental health and suicide prevention efforts, with participation from representatives of relevant social services and educational groups.

“Given the recent increase in suicide cases, the government believes there is an urgent need to unite civil society to address these issues,” stated Wilson Hon, president of the IAS.

Referring to the current digital age, where information can spread rapidly, he urged the public not to save or share images or videos related to suicide, to avoid sensationalizing such incidents and potentially triggering copycat behavior.

According to Hon, through cooperation with the police, his bureau follows up on approximately 300 cases of attempted suicide each year.

In addition to current measures, the government will introduce new initiatives this year to help people manage their emotions more effectively.

Mental health education will begin as early as nursery school and continue through secondary school, incorporating standardized emotional management materials for young children to learn how to cope with their emotions early on.

The government will also enhance emotional management education for parents, ensuring that both children and parents can effectively handle their emotions and create a positive cycle.

On the same evening, the Judiciary Police (PJ) announced that a non-local young man was suspected of falling from a height and died, with his body found near the back staircase of a commercial center on Calçada de Santo Agostinho.

Separately, on Saturday evening, two additional fatal incidents were temporarily classified as “dead-body-found cases.”

In one instance, a middle-aged woman from outside Macau reportedly jumped from Avenida do Conselheiro Borja and fell into the sea, resulting in her death.

In another case, an elderly man from Macau, known to have a history of suicide attempts, was found in a residential unit on Avenida do Conselheiro Borja, suspected of having taken his own life.

The IAS encourages residents to remain conscious of their psychological and emotional wellbeing, as well as the health of relatives and friends. If in need, residents can call Caritas’ Life Hope hotline (28525222) or IAS’ counseling hotline (28261126).