Rising Suicide Rates in Hong Kong: A Growing Concern

Strategic Insights -

A recent report by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at the University of Hong Kong revealed a significant increase in suicide rates in Hong Kong, with a particular focus on young adult males facing financial issues. The Hong Kong government and organizations are now addressing the challenges and promoting help-seeking and gatekeeper skills to prevent further tragedies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2024 suicide rate in Hong Kong was estimated at 14.1, higher than the 13.5 recorded in 2023, with a standardized age-adjusted rate of 10.6, higher than the global rate of 8.9 for 2021.
  • There was a 46.7% decrease in the suicide rate among children under 15 in 2024, with a significant reduction in male and female suicide rates.
  • Young adult males' suicide rates increased significantly, from 10.0 in 2021 to 14.4 in 2024, with 37.7% citing financial issues as the primary reason.
  • Unemployed individuals face a higher risk of dying by suicide, with a rate 5-6 times greater than their employed counterparts.
  • The main reasons for suicide among those with financial issues include debt problems, with over 40% experiencing debt, and illegal gambling being a common cause.
  • An analysis of suicide notes reveals that both men and women expressed deep concern for their families, with men often influenced by a traditional sense of role and responsibility as primary financial caretakers.
  • The Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention (CSRP) has established its reputation in suicide research and prevention worldwide and extended its research scope to the well-being of individuals and society.
  • The CSRP believes that empirical research can optimize practices and contribute to the improvement of a society.
  • The Hong Kong Suicide Prevention Services (SPS), a registered charitable organization, has helped over 1,200,000 people, providing services including the 24-hour Suicide Prevention Hotline Service.
  • The SPS has seen a 15.5% increase in calls from January to August 2025, with 66.1% of young male callers aged 25-40 seeking help for work, financial, or mental problems.

Statistics:

  • The 2024 suicide rate in Hong Kong was 14.1 (per 100,000 population).
  • The standardized age-adjusted rate in Hong Kong was 10.6, higher than the global rate of 8.9 for 2021 (World Health Organization, 2025).
  • A 46.7% decrease in the suicide rate among children under 15 in 2024.
  • A significant decrease in male and female suicide rates among children under 15 in 2024.
  • A 50% decrease in male suicide rates, dropping from 6 to 3 cases.
  • A 44% decrease in female suicide rates, dropping from 9 to 5 cases.
  • An increase in young adult males' suicide rates from 10.0 in 2021 to 14.4 in 2024.
  • A rate 5-6 times higher among unemployed individuals than their employed counterparts.
  • 37.7% of young adult males cited financial issues as the primary reason for suicide.
  • Over 40% of individuals experiencing debt, with illegal gambling being a common cause.

Sources:

  • Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention (CSRP).
  • Suicide Prevention Services (SPS).
  • World Health Organization (2025). Age-standardized suicide rates (per 100,000 population) [Data file]. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/age-standardized-suicide-rates-(per-100-000-population).