Media

The "Suicide Prevention Early Warning System" (https://suicideearlywarning.hku.hk/eng/recentrisks/) developed by the HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention (the Centre) of the University of Hong Kong has given a warning on March 23, 2022 as the average of the past 7 days’ estimates for suicide have exceeded the "extremely high" level (as shown in the figure attached). This "extremely high" warning line represents the average of the past 7 days’ estimates at 4.05, which is higher than the average for the year at 1.8. At the same time, the Centre found that the suicide "high-risk group" was the 55-year-old or older group, most of whom suffered from mental distress. In the past three weeks, according to newspaper reports, 5 middle-aged or elderly people confirmed positive with COVID-19 committed suicide due to emotional distress. Another two confirmed positive cases had attempted suicide but were rescued fortunately.

The  Centre now urges all Hong Kong people, especially frontline staff of all district elderly centers, to pay more attention to the mental health of elderly people and provide appropriate support in a timely manner.

About the HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention (CSRP), HKU
Founded in 2002, CSRP has established its worldwide reputation in suicide research and prevention and extended its scope of research to the well-being of individuals as well as the whole society. CSRP believes that empirical research would optimise practices and contribute to the improvement of a society.

For Professor Paul Yip's presentation powerpoints at the media conference, please click here.

For the presentation powerpoints by Suicide Prevention Services, please click here.

For media enquiries, please contact Ms. Katy CHEUNG at telephone number 2831 5232, or email to csrp@hku.hk.