Department of Health, Taipei City Government

According to the Cause of Death Statistics of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the suicide mortality rates of this city and nationwide have shown a yearly increasing trend since 2013. Through collaboration with cross-departmental networks, the Taipei City Government has actively promoted suicide prevention work in the city. The suicide rate showed a gradual slowdown in 2018, from 13.0 per 100,000 people to 12.0 per 100,000 people (a 7.7% decrease) in 2020. The initial tally of the number of deaths from suicides in the city was 287 people in 2021, a decrease by 62 people (a 17.7% decrease) compared to 349 people in 2018. Over the years, this city has had the lowest suicide mortality rate among the six cities designated as special municipalities.
 
The National Suicide Prevention Center conducted a Survey on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Knowledge and Behaviors on 2126 citizens aged over 15 in Taiwan in 2018. It was found that only 24.8% of the citizens with suicidal thoughts sought external help. The individuals they sought help from were mostly “relatives and friends” (accounting for 57.25%), followed by “medical institutions-division of psychiatry” (accounting for 22.17%). This is an indication of the importance of nearby relatives and friends who provide timely care to their loved ones with suicidal thoughts. The Center has also found through research that the suicide mortality rate of people who have attempted suicide and received care services reduced by 63.5%. About 60% of the people who have attempted suicide leave a message before demonstrating suicidal behavior and have contradictory emotions toward suicide. The Taipei City Government calls on people to take the initiate to care for relatives and friends around them to provide timely care and assistance. By building a city culture of warmth and care, everyone can become a goalkeeper of suicide prevention.
 
People who feel stressed, troubled, and depressed due to their romantic relationships, interpersonal relationships, life, academics, and work factors may call the 24-hour tollfree “1925 Love is Still Round” hotline. The Taipei City Government has also set up the 1999 Ext. 8858 inquiry hotline where personnel will provide psychological support and care and assistance in linking mental health related resources and providing a diverse range of services.