476 suicides reported in Singapore in 2022; highest in more than 20 years
Suicide was the leading cause of death for youths aged 10 to 29 for the fourth consecutive year in 2022. (Photo: iStock)
A total of 476 suicides were reported in Singapore last year, the highest number in more than 20 years, the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) said on Saturday (Jul 1). The number of suicides last year was a "concerning rise" of 25.9 per cent from the 378 reported in 2021, SOS said in a media release, citing data from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.
In response to CNA's queries, SOS said that family problems, employment and financial difficulties, as well as romantic relationships, were the most frequently presented problems by people who contacted SOS' services. An increase in suicides across most age groups was reported, particularly among youths and the elderly. Suicide remained the leading cause of death for youths aged 10 to 29 for the fourth consecutive year – about a third of all deaths in this age group were suicides. People aged between 70 and 79 registered the biggest increase – 60 per cent – in suicides last year compared with 2021.
The top three issues that elderly people sought help for were medical problems, family difficulties and loneliness, said SOS. Of the 476 suicide deaths last year, 317 were men and the remaining 159 were women." Globally, male suicide deaths have consistently outnumbered female suicide deaths. Research has shown that there are several potential factors that can contribute to the higher rate, including societal expectations and mental health stigma," added SOS.
HIGHEST RECORDED SUICIDE NUMBERS IN SINGAPORE SINCE 2000
Singapore reported a total of 476 suicides in 2022, revealing a concerning rise of 25.9% from 378 in 2021, and the highest recorded suicide deaths since 2000. An increase in suicide deaths across most age groups was observed – particularly among youths and the elderly.
“Seeing the unprecedented rise in suicide numbers in Singapore is 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. The time is now, to double our efforts in the realm of early detection and to actively encourage a culture of seeking help and watching out for one another”, said Dr Jared Ng, Senior Consultant and Medical Director at Connections MindHealth. Compared to 2021, Samaritans of Singapore Limited (SOS) observed a 27.0% increase in 2022, for the use of its services comprising the 24-hour Hotline and CareText.
related:
Singapore Suicides Rise to Highest in Over 20 Years: Samaritans
Singapore recorded its highest suicide tally since 2000, indicating a rise in mental distress from factors including social pressures and economic uncertainty, a report by non-profit Samaritans of Singapore Ltd. said.
The city-state reported a total of 476 suicides in 2022, with a notable increase among youth and the elderly, SOS said in a statement on its website. Suicide was the leading cause of death for 10 to 29 year-olds in the country for the fourth consecutive year, constituting nearly 39% of the total for the age group.
The rise in deaths highlights the significance of mental-health issues and awareness. The World Health Organization has set a target to bring down the global suicide rate by a third by 2030. An estimated 703,000 people died by suicide in 2019, making it one of the leading causes of death worldwide, according to a WHO report. The WHO estimates that the current global rate of decline — a 36% drop in the 20 years through 2019 — is still too slow to meet the 2030 target.
She lost her son to suicide: Here's what this mother wants to tell other parents
Alicia Lim looks at pictures of her late son, Paul, in his old room. (Photo: CNA/Marcus Mark Ramos)
Weeks before Paul Ko took his own life aged 23, he had told his mother that he was on the path to recovery and seeking help for mental health issues.
Two years on, the grief of losing him has not abated. Alicia Lim said she realised there were several warning signs before her son attempted suicide. Speaking to CNA about a week after a report showed there were 476 suicides in Singapore last year, Alicia shared her story in the hope that no one would have to go through the same experience.
“Listen more, and ask less. As parents, sometimes we tend to ask a lot of questions and we are not listening. I think giving a listening ear is more important than trying to find solutions for them,” she said. The number of suicides recorded in Singapore last year was the highest in more than 20 years. Nearly one in five were aged 20 to 29.
Where to get help:
- Samaritans of Singapore Hotline: 1767
- Institute of Mental Health’s Helpline: 6389 2222
- Singapore Association for Mental Health Helpline: 1800 283 7019
- You can also find a list of international helplines here. If someone you know is at immediate risk, call 24-hour emergency medical services.
Understanding suicide: Debunking myths and knowing what you can do
File photo of a man sitting on steps in despair. (Photo: Try Sutrisno Foo)
Knowing that someone wants to take their own life can be difficult to understand - and sometimes people are at a loss as to what can be done to help.
The stigma, myths and a lack of understanding of suicide contribute to that helplessness, and it can sometimes mean concerned family members and friends wash their hands of it or sweep it under the carpet. Last year, about 400 people in Singapore died by suicide. Nearly every age group saw an increase in the number of people killing themselves. Suicide is a difficult subject to discuss - taboo to some of us.
CNA has worked with the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) to look at the myths and misconceptions around suicide - and what you can do if you know someone is thinking about ending their own life:
- MYTH: SUICIDE IS CAUSED BY DEPRESSION
- MYTH: SUICIDE IS A RARE OCCURRENCE AND NOT A CONCERN IN SINGAPORE
- MYTH: SUICIDES HAPPEN ON IMPULSE ALONE
- MYTH: SUICIDAL PEOPLE WANT TO DIE
- MYTH: TALKING ABOUT SUICIDE ENCOURAGES SUICIDE
- MYTH: SUICIDE IS HEREDITARY
Full Coverage:
Helplines:
- National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868 (8am - 12am)
- Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
- Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours) /1-767 (24 hours)
- Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
- Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
- Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788 and www.tinklefriend.sg
- Community Health Assessment Team: 6493-6500/1 & www.chat.mentalhealth.sg
- TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
- TOUCH Care Line (for seniors, caregivers): 6804-6555
- Care Corner Counselling Centre: 1800-353-5800
- mindline.sg
- My Mental Health
- Fei Yue’s Online Counselling Service
- Tinkle Friend
- Community Health Assessment Team
Spate of Unnatural Deaths
33-yr-old woman and infant found dead at foot of Eunos block
A 33-year-old woman and a one-year-old infant were found dead at the foot of a block of Housing Board flats in Eunos on Sunday afternoon.
When contacted, the police said they were alerted to the fall at Block 35 Eunos Crescent at about 12.40pm. The woman and the baby were found lying motionless and were pronounced dead at the scene, they added. It is believed that the pair are mother and daughter, reported Chinese-language news outlet Lianhe Zaobao.
An eyewitness told Zaobao he saw that two people had fallen from the building when he left his flat after hearing a loud noise. The child was wearing a diaper, he added.
