In 2022, we lost 476 individuals to suicide in Singapore.
That’s a 26% increase from the year before and an all-time high over two decades. However, these numbers are likely just the tip of the iceberg. To gain a more accurate picture of the depth of the issue, we conducted a study with a sample of 200 participants aged between 18–35 (equal parts male and female). The aim was to answer the following questions
- How many of us are actively thinking about taking our own lives?
- What are the most significant stressors to our mental health?
- Do we have strong enough support systems to turn to, and are we making use of them?
- Should we even be talking about suicide?
More than one-third are actively thinking about taking their own lives.
In the present sample, a total of 37% (74 individuals) reported having suicidal thoughts, of which a majority (57%) were female. What’s more, almost half of respondents knew of at least one person in their family or social circle who is suicidal. Considering these numbers in the context of Singapore’s population at large, it stresses the importance of suicide prevention targeted at those who have begun to entertain thoughts of ending their lives.
Gender Differences in Suicide & Mental Health Stressors
Although most respondents reporting suicidal thoughts were female (57%), males consistently make up the majority of suicides — a universal phenomenon. Research has proposed various explanations for this gender paradox, such as males using more lethal methods when attempting suicide than females.
However, suicidality is a multidimensional issue resulting from the interaction of many factors, including biological, psychological, social, environmental and cultural factors. The present study investigated the differences in mental health stressors between genders in Singapore. Results showed that males were most affected by financial pressure, with relationship problems and work-related stress as secondary factors. In contrast, females were least impacted by financial pressures and cited work-related stress, family, and loneliness as their biggest stressors. It is possible that gender roles and societal expectations could partially account for these gender differences in mental health stressors, but more research is required to draw more definitive conclusions.
Strength of support system makes no difference in support seeking behaviour: Singapore’s Burden-Averse Culture
Research has shown that a strong support system is associated with better mental and physical health. Seeking social support from family and friends can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms, instilling a feeling of security. Individuals feel loved, cared for, and a sense of belonging to a community. Our data suggests that the existence of a reliable support system is lacking. Only slightly more than half of participants (53.8%) would say they have a strong support system to turn to, no matter what the issue is.
It is no surprise that those who do not have a strong support system or are unsure of the strength of their support system, do not open up to their family and friends about their mental health struggles. The main reasons cited were (1) a fear of burdening their loved ones with difficult topics like their mental health and (2) the belief that no one would understand them anyway. However, we did not expect those with a strong support network to exhibit the same behaviour. Despite having access to support, 75% refrain from seeking help from their loved ones for exactly the same reasons: fear of burdening them (75%), and to a small extent, the belief that their loved ones would not understand their struggle (24.8%).
This is in line with the results of a previous study we conducted, which found that the majority of Singaporeans do not feel comfortable discussing their mental health with family and friends and would much rather talk to a mental health professional. These findings reveal that the issue runs deeper than simply a need for better support networks. Instead, the real barrier that keeps individuals from leaning on their support systems is an ingrained burden-averse culture.
The consequences of this type of thinking are severe: More than half of participants stated that they would never tell anyone if they were suicidal. It is clear that targeting such mental barriers is crucial in suicide prevention efforts.
Should we even be talking about suicide?
This study addresses one of the most commonly held misconceptions around suicidality: talking or inquiring about suicide increases suicidal tendencies in vulnerable individuals. This sentiment was echoed by former Minister for Education Ong Ye Kung, when then-Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Anthea Ong asked him to share the number of students who had attempted or died by suicide. He refused to reveal the statistics, arguing that
“Tabulating and publicising such data can have other implications, such as heightening suicide risk in vulnerable youths.”
Most people in the present study disagreed (64.3%) or were unsure as to the accuracy of this statement (22.3%). Many pointed out that it heavily hinges upon how the topic of suicide is addressed:
“I guess it depends on what kind of stuff is being talked about.”
Indeed, existing studies have demonstrated that general reporting of suicide statistics does not affect suicide numbers. Instead, it is media reports on celebrity suicides that significantly increase the risk of subsequent suicides, especially when details about suicide methods are included. Similar caution should be taken when discussing suicides among one another. As one participant noted:
“[We should] talk about suicide, but leave out details about attempts so that people know they are not alone, [without being] inspired to make plans for suicide.”
Evidence shows that discussing suicide with emphasis on help-seeking, regarding it as a public health issue instead of putting the blame on the individual, actually reduces suicidal ideation and can lead to improvements in mental health. In light of this evidence, discouraging people from discussing suicide may do more harm than good. Instead, efforts should focus on educating the population on how best to address such topics.
A Need for Community, Kindness, and Open Discourse
Participants in the present study were encouraged to share their thoughts on what we can do to support each other’s well-being and prevent more suicides from happening in Singapore. The following themes emerged, ranked by how frequently suggestions were mentioned by respondents:
- Create Communities and Safe Spaces
Participants emphasised the importance of regularly checking in with people, fostering strong support systems, and encouraging open conversations about mental health. The majority of respondents expressed a need for community: a safe, non-judgemental space they can go to without having to worry about the fear of judgment. Some preferred an in-person setting where they could connect with others struggling with similar problems, whereas others preferred virtual communities that value anonymity. Participants expressed a need for more mental wellness programs, such as crisis support beyond the 24-hour hotline. Some thought that, while crisis hotlines are crucial, they lacked the human connection that many are in need of.
2. Encourage Kindness and Empathy
Many respondents expressed that simply being kind and empathetic towards people around us can make a big difference. We should actively check up on our loved ones, and periodically affirm that we are there for them no matter what. Similarly, reminders and encouragement for this behaviour should be extended to schools and workplaces to form a stronger community.
3. Education, Awareness, and Open Discourse
Many respondents stressed the importance of talking about mental health and suicide more openly. To educate people on how to talk about suicide, how to identify the signs of suicidal risk, and how to talk to someone who is suicidal. There is more work to be done in tackling myths and stigma around suicide, as well as normalising help-seeking behaviour.
4. Policy Change
A fair proportion of participants emphasized the need for an overhaul of the country’s policies, including promoting better work-life balance, strengthening family ties, and lowering the cost of living. These respondents recognised that suicide is largely a systemic issue requiring fundamental changes in laws and policies in Singapore. Participants particularly thought that the mental healthcare system needed to become more accessible to everyone by increasing the availability of public mental health services and introducing more subsidies to improve accessibility.
This study is the first step of many to highlight the urgent need for suicide prevention in Singapore. Amidst the significant increase in suicide rates, the findings show that even more are thinking about ending their lives. While the study sheds light on some of the mental health stressors individuals face in Singapore, more research is needed to draw more definitive conclusions. However, it is clear that tackling the burden-averse culture and improving mental health support systems are essential steps to addressing the issue. It is crucial to raise awareness and take action to support suicide prevention efforts in Singapore.
We are grateful to have partnered with a community initiative, consisting of suicide survivors, researchers, doctors, and advocacy groups to develop a national strategy to address suicide in Singapore. We recognise that suicide is a multidimensional issue, requiring a multi-faceted approach. More needs to be done, and we are committed to working together to build a compassionate and supportive society where we can find comfort and aid in each other.
Find the full report of our study here.
If you are in crisis, or are worried about a friend or loved one, here are a list of resourses:
Mental Wellbeing
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
Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493–6500/1
Counselling
TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800–377–2252
TOUCH Care Line (for seniors, caregivers): 6804–6555
Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353–1180
Counselling and Care Centre: 6536–6366
Online resources
mindline.sg
eC2.sg
www.tinklefriend.sg
www.chat.mentalhealth.sg
carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)
