In the wake of student suicides, let’s give Hong Kong’s troubled youth some hope, rather than more despair

The surge of suicides among students in Hong Kong over the past six months is very worrying. We have witnessed an increasing trend of youth suicides in the past few years, despite a continuous reduction in the overall rate in Hong Kong. Our suicide rate was about 11 per 100,000 people in 2014, below the world average of 13. While older adults have a higher suicide rate – twice the average – the recent spate of suicides among young people has triggered a response from the community.

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It is indeed very sad, and not only a waste of talent; it also causes much grief and disruption to the affected families. Almost without fail, suicide notes left by these young people express their regret and offer apologies to their parents.

Young people are more likely to be affected by social media than others. Some of those who committed suicide lived much of their lives in a virtual world and struggled to communicate with others in person. A reluctance to seek help is a major problem among these young people and this can mean that sometimes they are unknown to the medical and social care system. Thus, no timely interventions can be made, even though support services are available.

Suicide can be contagious, leading to a wave of copycat deaths, especially when it is reported sensationally by the media. In 2010, a suicide cluster was identified with six deaths of those aged 14 to 25 in the same district within four months.

Our centre has taken a multidisciplinary approach, working with local stakeholders to conduct a three-year community-based suicide-prevention programme. In our study, we observed the mental well-being of young people, who are likely to be affected by many factors including academic performance, unemployment and social disconnectedness.

We have been supported by various stakeholders in the community – for example, non-governmental organisations, hospital emergency departments, the Social Welfare Department, police, and local housing and neighbourhood associations. Each stakeholder has tried to bridge the gaps in service for the vulnerable.

For those who have attempted to harm themselves, protocols in providing a treatment plan and aftercare have been improved.

Team of psychologists to help depressed Hong Kong pupils after four suicides in five day

Also, improving the employment prospects of young people, with support from the Labour Department, is important to their mental well-being. Most importantly, awareness in supporting youth suicide prevention and mental health in the community is now much stronger. Things have been improving with support from the government and the community.