In Hong Kong, boxes of charcoal bear a government warning message that reads, Cherish your life. We are here to listen. This is attributed to the city's high rate of charcoal-burning suicides.
Suicide by charcoal-burning was first documented in Hong Kong in the early 1980s. In the city since then, there have been over 1,000 occurrences of suicide by charcoal burning. The number of charcoal-burning suicides has increased in recent years, with an average of roughly 20 occurrences each year.
The high rate of charcoal-burning suicides in Hong Kong is said to be attributable to a combination of reasons, including easy access to charcoal, a lack of effective suicide prevention measures, and the societal stigma associated with mental illness.In reaction to the rising number of charcoal-burning suicides, the government initiated the Cherish your life campaign. The campaign includes a 24-hour crisis hotline and public education initiatives to raise awareness of mental health issues.
If you are in Hong Kong and are suicidal, call the 24-hour hotline at 1833-633.