Our Promise to World Suicide Prevention Day: Support You and Work with You

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day, established on September 10, 2003, by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Suicide is a global concern and a serious public health issue in every country. This day aims to call on governments, suicide prevention associations and agencies, local communities, healthcare workers, and volunteers to join in various local actions, collectively raising public awareness of the importance of suicide prevention and reducing suicide rates.

Most annual holidays are celebrations, but World Suicide Prevention Day evokes sadness. There is nothing to celebrate on this day; it serves as a reminder that our work is not yet done, as the number of suicides remains alarming. Nearly 700,000 people die by suicide each year worldwide, with someone taking their life every 40 seconds. According to a report from the Hong Kong Coroner’s Court, there were 1,092 suicide deaths in Hong Kong in 2023, averaging 2.99 deaths per day, the highest number since 2003. The number of elderly suicides in 2022 broke the record since 1973. Although the figure in 2023 is slightly lower than in 2022, it still accounts for the largest number of suicide deaths in many years.

Elderly suicides may be related to the death of their spouses and the emigration of their children. Older individuals are less likely to seek help from hotlines or online resources, resulting in a higher proportion of suicides compared to other age groups. Youth suicides have also continued to rise in recent years, increasing from 130 cases in 2021 to 159 cases in 2023. In addition to the societal atmosphere, the high expectations placed on young people are also contributing factors to suicide. However, suicide is preventable.

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2024 to 2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” which aims to shift perceptions of suicide from a taboo subject to one that can be openly and honestly discussed, drawing greater attention to the issue. In recent years, local governments have actively strengthened suicide prevention efforts, such as removing the stigma surrounding suicide, enhancing emotional support services, and promoting the message of cherishing life. The rising suicide rates among the elderly and youth in Hong Kong are particularly concerning. The government has implemented various targeted measures, such as the “4Rs Mental Health Charter” focused on school children’s mental health, to assist schools in promoting students’ physical and mental well-being. Our organization has also participated in this initiative, providing immediate crisis intervention, in-depth counseling services, mental health promotion, and life education.

However, government resources may not be sufficient. Therefore, we suggest that authorities increase staffing in schools to help address the student suicide crisis and proactively reach out to the elderly to provide emotional support. We hope that the societal atmosphere will become more open regarding suicide, which can improve the current situation: parents can support their children and avoid exerting pressure. At the same time, the government should adjust the current education system to provide more opportunities for young people to develop their talents. Children can listen to and accompany their elders more, actively expressing concern. Everyone can take an extra step to walk alongside friends and family members experiencing emotional problems, alleviating their mental stress.

With technological advancements, The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong has also expanded its existing online suicide prevention services. The “ChatPoint” online chat service has increased staffing and extended service hours, allowing more individuals to seek help, particularly targeting the younger generation and those accustomed to using online channels for support, aiming to provide more appropriate assistance to reduce their risk of suicide.

As a member of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong aligns with international standards. In addition to providing a variety of suicide crisis intervention services and early life education that emphasizes the importance of cherishing life, it also assists Southeast Asia and neighbouring regions in establishing organizations with similar goals. We hope to strengthen suicide prevention efforts, allowing our experiences to support others in this critical work. We encourage all sectors of society to unite as guardians, caring for those experiencing emotional distress in the workplace, school, neighbourhood, and home. Our organization is committed to providing assistance and raising social awareness about the issue of suicide.

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