Suicide rates in 2024 reach new record high with 2.3% y-o-y increase

The cases of suicide in Macau continued to grow in 2024, as shown in a report from the Health Bureau (SSM) on the monitoring of suicide.

According to the figures released, in 2024, there were 90 cases of confirmed suicides, two more (+2.3%) than in 2023, constituting a new record high of suicide cases in Macau.

The figure represents an average of one suicide case every four days for the whole year. The same report shows that the local residents accounted for the increase (two more cases in 2024), while the number of suicides among non-residents (14) remained the same as in 2023.

In general, data shows that 84.4% of the suicides reported in Macau referred to local residents (+0.3% y-o-y), while the non-residents accounted for 15.6% (-0.3% y-o-y).

Although statistical data related to the significant causes of death in Macau in 2024 is not yet available, suicide occupied the number nine right after Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases (CLRD), which include four commonly overlapping chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.

In both years, the quarter that recorded the most suicides was the fourth quarter of the year (Q4), with 2024 presenting one case less than in 2023.

According to the latest release that reports on the Q4 of 2024, there were a total of 25 cases of suicide recorded, 20 of which were related to local residents, while the other five involved non-residents. The same report notes that the people involved were between 13 and 75 years old, which indicates a large spectrum of issues among all age groups.

As in the previous quarters of this year, the SSM said, “According to data analysis, this quarter, the possible causes of suicide are mainly the result of mental illness and emotional, financial or gambling-related problems.”

However, the bureau acknowledged that the causes of suicide are complex and often involve mental illness, psychological, socio-economic, family, human relations, and biological genetic factors. SSM added that the government and the bureau are paying special attention to suicide as an issue, which they have said “requires everyone’s attention, and everyone needs to take an active role as a suicide prevention advocate.”

The bureau calls on residents to take an active role in supporting and communicating with those who may be experiencing emotional distress and encourage those who are experiencing emotional problems to seek professional help actively.

“The Macau SAR government has attached great importance to the mental health of residents, not only by continuously increasing access to services and expanding the social support network through effective interdepartmental communication and cooperation mechanisms between public departments and social service institutions, but also by mobilizing the entire society through families, schools and the community to pay joint attention and forward information on their initiative, so that the relevant departments can quickly intervene and eliminate potential risks,” SSM said.

The bureau said that it has been allocating more resources to improve accessibility to mental health services in Macau continuously.

With the launch of the mental health service at the Inner Harbour Health Centre, residents can make an appointment in advance at the health centres in Tap Seac, Fai Chi Kei, Areia Preta, Ilha Verde, Jardins do Oceano, Nossa Senhora do Carmo – Lago, Praia do Manduco, Seac Pai Van and the Inner Harbour, without the need for a transfer letter.”

The bureau is also increasing training for community health professionals on mental health care and diagnostic and treatment techniques to integrate specialized mental health services into the community health system, aiming to integrate specialized mental health services into the community health system.

SSM appeals to anyone who is experiencing emotional distress to call the Caritas “Hope for Life” hotline at 2852 5222 for counseling services.