LettersHong Kong leader’s policy address must prioritise increasing happiness, health and hope
Readers discuss the need to focus on boosting Hongkongers’ mental health, and a more compassionate approach to helping people with dementiaMental healthLettersPublished: 11:30am, 9 Sep, 2023Why you can trust SCMP
Tomorrow is World Suicide Prevention Day, which aims to focus attention on the issue, reduce stigma and raise awareness among governments and the public that suicides are preventable. “Creating Hope Through Action” is the triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021 to 2023, serving as a powerful call to action and a reminder that through our actions, we can encourage hope and strengthen prevention.
The past three years have undoubtedly been very challenging for most people around the world. Although the worldwide suicide numbers did not seem to have significantly increased due to the Covid-19 pandemic, its negative socio-environmental, physiological and psychological impacts seem to be prolonged.
Numerous local studies have reported that the quality of life, psychological health, and happiness of many Hongkongers have decreased. The number of serious assault incidents, heated arguments and fights reported in the media have raised grave concerns about the deterioration of mental health in Hong Kong.