Right now is World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide stays a significant public well being drawback and it’s estimated that greater than 700,000 folks worldwide die as a result of suicide yearly, with numerous others being profoundly affected by every demise. Suicide has far-reaching social and financial penalties. Stopping it’s below one of many Sustainable Improvement Targets adopted by the UN.
In 2023, greater than 1,000 folks died by suicide in Hong Kong. In response to the Hong Kong Jockey Membership Centre for Suicide Analysis and Prevention, the suicide price was 13.6 per 100,000 folks, above the worldwide common. Particularly, the suicide price amongst these aged beneath 15 rose to a report 2.9, from 0.8 in 2022.
Though the social restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic have been lifted, their psychological affect continues to linger. In Hong Kong, full-day face-to-face courses have been step by step resumed in February 2023.
A return to regular education ought to have alleviated the psychological pressure arising from the triple lack of social connection, studying assist and a way of routine; but new points emerged. College students struggled to readjust to life in class. Some had difficulties forming relationships with lecturers and classmates, dealing with the better calls for of schoolwork and thriving in a aggressive college atmosphere.
The federal government is working a three-tier programme to offer skilled assist for colleges dealing with college students with psychological well being wants. Nevertheless, the emphasis is extra on treatment than prevention. A extra holistic strategy could be to work with the varsity neighborhood in fostering a supportive and caring atmosphere.
