The total number of suicide deaths in Singapore in 2023 was 322, marking a 32.4 per cent decrease from 2022. This figure represents the lowest number of suicide deaths reported in Singapore since 2000, as stated by Minister of State for Culture, Community & Youth Alvin Tan on 7 September 2024. Tan made this announcement during a suicide prevention workshop organised by Caring for Life, a charity focused on suicide prevention. Notably, there was a decrease in suicide deaths across all age groups for the first time.
## Background
The significant drop in suicide rates is a positive development for Singapore, reflecting the effectiveness of ongoing mental health initiatives. However, Minister Tan emphasised that the fight against suicide is far from over. The workshop where Tan spoke was part of a broader effort by Caring for Life to provide resources and training to those at risk and to the community at large.
## Much to do despite encouraging signs
Despite the encouraging statistics, Tan warned against complacency. “There is much to do in the area of suicide prevention,” he noted in a Facebook post. He stressed that every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and highlighted the ongoing risk. Tan paid tribute to local groups like the Moulmein-Cairnhill Mental Well Being Circle and organisations such as Caring for Life, which organise workshops and training sessions to support those struggling with mental health issues.
“This weekend, we organised a suicide prevention workshop with CFL and an ‘Understanding #burnout’ session with Growth Collective SG at Tanglin Community Club to train and support our community,” Tan added. He encouraged those interested in partnering or training with these initiatives to reach out via email.
## Helplines
For those in mental distress, several hotlines are available for help, advice, or simply a listening ear:
– SOS 24-hour Hotline: 1-767
– Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
– Institute of Mental Health: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
– Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788 (for primary school-aged children)
– SHECARES@SCWO: Call: 8001 01 4616 | WhatsApp: 6571 4400 (for targets of online harms)
## Future initiatives
Looking ahead, the focus will remain on expanding mental health support and suicide prevention efforts. Workshops and training sessions will continue to be a cornerstone of these initiatives, aiming to equip the community with the skills and knowledge needed to identify and support those at risk. The government and local organisations are committed to maintaining and enhancing these efforts to ensure that the downward trend in suicide rates continues.
