SINGAPORE: The number of suicides in Singapore rose 10 per cent last year, with suicides among boys aged 10 to 19 at the highest since 1991, the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) said on Monday (Jul 29).
There were 397 reported suicides in 2018, compared with 361 the year before. This raised the suicide rate to 8.36 deaths per 100,000 Singapore residents, up from 7.74 in 2017.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAll age groups, except those aged 60 years and above, recorded an increase in the number of suicides, said the suicide prevention agency.
Suicide mortality among youths and males is a "significant societal concern", SOS said, highlighting that for every 10 suicides in 2018, at least seven were by men.
A total of 94 people aged between 10 and 29 killed themselves last year, SOS said.
Among boys aged between 10 and 19 years old, there were 19 suicides last year – a 170 per cent increase from the seven recorded the year before.
AdvertisementAdvertisementYOUNG PEOPLE MORE WILLING TO REACH OUT
"It is disconcerting to know that many of our young feel unsupported through their darkest periods and see suicide as the only choice to end their pain and struggles," said SOS senior assistant director Wong Lai Chun.
But she noted that young people are now more willing to reach out for help.
Among those who wrote to SOS for emotional support, more than 78 per cent were between 10 and 29 years old. This was an increase of more than 56 per cent in its last fiscal year ending March, said SOS.
“Youths today seem to have greater awareness of the moments when they feel alone and helpless. They are more willing to reach out and explore available support avenues like our support services, social media and their peers," Ms Wong said.
SOCIETAL STEREOTYPES COULD ACT AS A BARRIER TO SEEK HELP: SOS
“We live in a society that stresses the importance of masculine qualities as a measure of success. As a result, we grow impatient toward behaviours that seem to depict weakness,” Ms Wong said.
“Men are stereotypically expected to be tough, stoic, and financially stable. The slightest hint of vulnerability can be seen as an imperfection.
“This has to change. Men and women alike need to know that it is okay to be less than perfect and we need to educate the public to understand that a supportive and encouraging environment is far more beneficial than a judgemental one for our society,” she added.
Where to get help: Samaritans of Singapore operates a 24-hour hotline at 1800 221 4444, or you can email [email protected]. You can also find a list of international helplines here. If someone you know is at immediate risk, call 24-hour emergency medical services.
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