SSM appeals for attention to youth mental health

The Health Bureau (SSM) has appealed to the public to pay greater attention to the mental health of the city’s youth, following the death of a 16-year-old student last week.
In a statement, the SSM urged the city to “pay more attention and listen more to young people.”
“Pay attention to their opinions or emotions, to [mindsets that can be harmful] and can lead to suicide. Listening to them can allow them to express themselves and help to prevent any incidents,” the bureau indicated.
On September 1, the first day of the 2021/2022 school year, a girl is believed to have climbed from the laundry window in her home and fallen to her death, the Judiciary Police (PJ) announced.
The body of the 16-year-old girl was found on Avenida de Ouvidor Arriaga at about 6:25 a.m. by a pedestrian. After preliminary investigation, police believe that the girl climbed through the door of the safety cage and fell to the ground.
A suicide note was found in the home of the deceased.
During the first quarter of 2021, the Macau SAR recorded a total of 10 suicide cases (seven men and three women) from January to March this year, a decrease of 44.4% compared to the same period last year.
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. For support, residents can call Caritas’ Life Hope hotline (28525222) or IAS’ counseling hotline (28261126).