Preventing youth suicide takes awareness and help, more than self-control
In 2016, as many as 74 young people in the city under 24 years of age took their own lives. The reasons for suicide are multiple and complex, reflecting the many pressures on young people, as well as underlying mental health issues. Preventing suicide is equally complex and requires effort and co-ordination in the community, schools, social services, the NGO sector and among families, to acknowledge that there are young people who are struggling with their feelings, and that there are strategies that can help.
Children and young people need our understanding and reassurance that feeling low, finding life hard to deal with, being anxious and, yes, even having suicidal thoughts, are surprisingly common feelings and that they are not alone in this.
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We have lost too many souls. Hong Kong can help protect its young people by breaking down the stigma surrounding mental ill health and starting to talk honestly about feelings.
Ann Pearce, The Weez Project
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, help is available. In Hong Kong dial +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services