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Suicide Prevention - Live Positive

 
Suicide is defined as an intentional and self-inflicted death. In Hong Kong, suicide is an important public health problem. It causes more deaths than road traffic accidents and homicide. Besides death, suicide also costs profoundly to society due to distress suffered by family members and friends of the deceased.

In Hong Kong, the death rate of suicide rose from 14.9 in 2001 to 18.8 in 2004, but then dropped to 14.6 in 2009. The death rate due to suicide increases significantly after 70 years of age. The incidence and pattern has been comparable to those of other industrialized countries.

Some warning signs of suicide

  • Having made final plans/arrangements for his/her death (e.g., writing a suicidal note, or making final arrangements for care of pets and children)
  • Feeling hopeless, helpless and worthless
  • Giving verbal clues which may be either direct (" I'm going to do it this time - kill myself ") or indirect "I'm of no use to anyone anymore")
  • Putting personal affairs in order or finished his/her unfinished business (e.g., visiting relatives or friends not seen for many years).
  • Giving multiple obvious or subtle indications of distress in living.
  • Displaying radical shift in characteristic behaviours

Measures that can be taken for suicide prevention

To help yourself

  • Think positively
  • Recognize that there are ups and downs in life
  • Make realistic plan for your life
  • Learn to appreciate yourself
  • Talk to people around
  • Avoid drugs and alcohol
  • Seek help from professionals when needed

To help your family members or friends

  • Support and care those in need
  • Be a good listener
  • Be vigilant to warning signs of suicide
  • Place carefully substances/articles that can be used for committing suicide, such as sleeping pills and sharp objects
  • Familiarize yourself with help-lines of social service agencies
  • Seek help from professionals when needed

Suicide prevention and social service hotlines

Name Hotline Service of Social Welfare Department
Target General public
Hours From 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Mondays to Fridays, and from 9:00 am to 12 noon on Saturdays, there are social workers on duty to answer enquiries or handle emergency cases. Outside the aforesaid duty hours, callers can choose to transfer their calls to the Hotline and Outreaching Service Team operated by Tung Wah Group of Hospitals for assistance from social workers. They may also leave their message on the recording machine or seek assistance from the police.
Tel 2343 2255
Name Family Crisis Support Centre
Target Individuals or families with family crisis, disputes or emotional disturbance
Hours 24 hours
Tel 18 288
Name The Samaritan Befrienders HK - helpline
Target People with suicidal tendency or emotional disturbance
Hours 24 hours
Tel 2389 2222
Name Youthline, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
Target Young people aged between 6 and 24 and their parents
Hours 2:00pm to 2:00 am from Monday to Saturday
Tel 2777 8899
Name The Samaritans 24-hour hotline
Target People with suicidal tendency or emotional disturbance
Hours 2:00pm to 2:00 am
Tel 2896 0000