A total of 28 suicides have been reported in the Macau SAR just in the three months of this year almost half of the 60 registered in 2021.
According to data analysis of the cases reported by the local Health Bureau, the main causes of suicide were mainly chronic or physical illnesses, mental illnesses, gambling or financial problems.
“The COVID-19 pandemic that has persisted for more than two years and the repeated unstable pandemic situation in neighbouring regions entails that citizens inevitably manifest different levels of psychological problems, such as anxiety, depression and mental stress,” the Health Bureau added.
This data reveals an increase of six cases compared to the last quarter of 2021 and an increase of 18 cases compared to the same period last year.
Among the 28 cases, 25 were Macau residents, with the remaining being non-residents. Some 14 were males and 14 females, with the cases involving people aged between 23 and 91 years.
Health authorities recommended for citizens maintain a “healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, adequate physical exercise, adequate sleep, non-smoking, reduced alcohol consumption and relaxation” adding that they should maintain “active contact and care for those around them, especially the chronically ill and the elderly”.
The Helath Bureau has opened external mental health services in the health Centers of Tap Seac, Fai Chi Kei, Areia Preta, Ilha Verde, Jardins do Oceano, Nossa Senhora do Carmo — Lago, and Praia do Manduco.
“In addition, we will continue to support non-profit associations, such as the General Union of Macao Residents’ Associations and the Macao General Women’s Association, in order to establish community psychological counselling institutions to provide free counselling services to citizens,” the Health Bureau added.
The Caritas Life Hope Hotline at 28525222 also provides emotional counselling services.
The World Health Organisation has warned in 2021 that more people die each year from suicide than from HIV, malaria, breast cancer, or war and homicide.
At the same time, the global pandemic crisis has exacerbated risk factors associated with suicidal behaviours, such as job loss, trauma or abuse, mental health disorders and barriers to accessing health care.
