Office workers keep Shanghai suicide hotline busy

White-collar workers accounted for the majority of callers to Shanghai's first 24-hour suicide hotline since it launched in December.

The hotline — 021-5161-9995 — is run by the non-profit-making Life Education and Crisis Intervention Center.

Over the past three months, it has received 1,312 calls, with 41 percent from people aged between 23 and 35, mostly employed in office jobs, the center said.

"Compared with suicide hotlines in other countries and areas, callers in Shanghai are younger," said Lin Kuhui, founder of the center. "More attention needs to be given to this group."

Lin also predicted an increase in calls in March.

"Spring Festival, a time for family reunions, is in January or February," he said, explaining that this is a good time for people to relieve stress. "During this time, the number of calls falls."

The organization plans to hold a series of activities and courses to promote mental health.