The Health Services of Macau have urged residents to seek mental health support, highlighting the stigma that continues to prevent people from accessing psychological care.
The number of suicide deaths has been rising in recent years in the city, bringing increased attention to improving mental health services as a public health priority.
In 2025, 91 suicide cases were recorded in the territory, which has a population of about 689,000, according to data from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), marking one of the highest figures ever recorded in the city.
“If you feel low for more than two weeks and cannot eat or sleep, you should seek help,” said Choi Ka Man, senior psychotherapy consultant at the Health Services, during a press conference promoting mental health care.
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Tai Wa Hou, director of the public Conde de São Januário Hospital, explained that many residents are still reluctant to seek psychiatric care due to fear of being stigmatized, while others are unaware that conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, or persistently low mood can improve with professional intervention.
“These misconceptions create invisible barriers that prevent people from seeking help,” he stressed.
“It is important to understand that mental health problems are not character flaws or signs of weakness,” he added.
In 2025, 91 suicide cases were recorded in the territory, which has a population of about 689,000, according to data from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), marking one of the highest figures ever recorded in the city. Photo: GCS
According to Tai Wa Hou, there are nine health centers and three community organizations in Macau providing psychological counseling and healthcare services to residents.
Although asked, the Health Services did not provide specific figures on how many residents have sought or received psychological or psychiatric treatment.
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Citing the World Health Organization, the Health Services noted that one in four people worldwide suffers from mental health issues, with anxiety and depression linked to stress increasing year after year.
Choi also advised residents to share their feelings with trusted individuals if they feel confused or distressed.
“If the first step does not bring significant results, you can seek professional help from family doctors, general practitioners, mental health hotlines, therapists, or community social workers,” she said.
“If you are harming yourself or having thoughts of harming yourself or others, you should go immediately to the emergency department for help,” she added.
