On Friday (30 June), Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) released concerning statistics regarding the country’s suicide rates.
Last year, they recorded a total of 476 suicides — a 25.9% increase from 2021 which saw 378 suicides reported.
Additionally, SOS noted that there was a rise in suicide deaths across all age groups, especially among youths and the elderly in Singapore.
According to SOS, suicide remained the leading cause of death for youths between 10 and 29 years old.
Of the deaths reported in the age group, suicide constituted 33.6% — making it the leading cause of death for four consecutive years.
In 2022, 125 youths died from suicide, an 11.6% increase from the year before, which recorded 112 such deaths.
Source: Adrian Swancar on Unsplash. Image for illustration purposes only.
Meanwhile, the elderly between 70 and 79 years old had the highest increase of 60% in suicide deaths.
Compared to 2021 where there were 30 reported deaths by suicide, 2022 saw 48 recorded deaths among the demographic.
Alongside the increase in reported suicides, SOS also noted a 27% rise in the use of its emotional support services. These include SOS’ 24-hour Hotline and CareText.
Dr Jared Ng, Senior Consultant and Medical Director at Connections MindHealth, described the numbers as “profoundly heartbreaking”,
This increase paints a picture of the unseen mental distress permeating our society, especially amongst our youths and the elderly.
“It is crucial that we remain vigilant to the pressing issues that continue to heavily impact mental health, such as social isolation and loneliness,” he said.
Source: @lvnatikk on Unsplash, for illustration purposes only
Additionally, he urged the community to foster a supportive environment where individuals reach out and look out for one another.
Gasper Tan, Chief Executive Officer of SOS, highlighted the importance of addressing underlying causes.
In providing support to those in need, SOS has launched community programmes such as ‘Light in the Dark’ — a suicide attempters support group.
Apart from that, it has also worked with community partners to reduce stigma and promote help-seeking.
If you or anyone you know is in need of support, these are some hotlines to call:
There is also a list of international helplines here.
However, call 24-hour emergency medical services if someone you know is at immediate risk.
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash, for illustration purposes only.
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