Singapore saw a significant decrease in suicide deaths in 2023, with a total of 322 reported deaths the lowest since 2000. This marks a 32.4% decrease from the previous year and is the first time that all age groups have shown a decline in suicide deaths.
The suicide death rate in Singapore is now at 6.17 per 100,000 residents, with 68.9% of the deaths being male. While there has been a 31.2% decrease in suicide deaths among youths aged 10-29 compared to 2022, suicide still remains the leading cause of death in this age group, according to the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) press release on 12 July.
- 322 suicide deaths reported in Singapore in 2023 – the lowest since 2000.
- Decrease of 32.4% in suicide deaths from 2022.
- Suicide death rate is 6.17 per 100,000 Singaporean residents.
- 68.9% of the 322 suicide deaths were male.
- Suicide persists as the leading cause of death among youths aged 10-29, constituting 29.2% of all deaths within this age group.
Samaritans of Singapore Limited (SOS) CEO, Mr Gasper Tan, said “SOS is dedicated to scaling our community outreach through various programmes and training, ensuring that every individual has access to the support they need. As we commemorate our 55th anniversary, we continue to believe in the transformative power of hope.”
In collaboration with various agencies and healthcare institutions, initiatives have been implemented to facilitate deeper collaborations and provide pathways for help-seeking and early identification of those at risk. The goal is to create an ecosystem of care that encourages support for at-risk groups and provides crisis support.
“There have been substantial work from cross sectoral agencies from hospitals to social service agencies on suicide prevention. For example, recommendations of the Interagency Research Workgroup for Youth Suicide have been implemented to facilitate deeper collaborations between various agencies and healthcare institutions. These initiatives help to create an ecosystem of care and pathways that encourage help-seeking and early identification, support at-risk groups, and provide crisis support. Besides the government’s resources and community programmes, I think it is important that we all play a part to prevent suicide by looking out for one another, developing mental health literacy, to better support ourselves and those we care about.”
– Assoc Prof Daniel Fung, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Mental Health.
While there has been progress in reducing suicide numbers, there is still more work to be done. Dr. Jared Ng, Medical Director of Connections MindHealth, highlighted the importance of continued vigilance and empathy towards those in need, urging everyone to practice kindness and look out for one another.
“While it’s encouraging to see a decline in suicide numbers, we must remember that one suicide is one too many. Each loss sends ripples through families, schools, workplaces, and entire communities. We cannot be complacent; we must continue to be vigilant towards those around us, empathise with those in need, and practice kindness to ourselves and others.”
– Dr Jared Ng, Medical Director, Connections MindHealth.
Mr Tan added, “The decrease in suicide deaths is a testament to the power of community and the significance of our collective suicide prevention efforts. However, our work does not end here. Our goal is to continue fostering impact within our communities because suicide prevention can and should be everyone’s business.”
“A more intentional effort is needed to ensure that each individual becomes a first responder, empowering everyone to look out for one another. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to recognise and respond to signs of distress, we can create a community where everyone plays a role in preventing suicide”.
NOTE : Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) is a secular, non-profit suicide prevention centre that offers emotional support to those in crisis, thinking of suicide, or affected by suicide. They provide a holistic approach to suicide-related topics including prevention, intervention, and postvention. SOS can be reached at their 24-hour hotline at 1-767 or through their 24-hour CareText service on WhatsApp at 9151 1767. All information shared with SOS is confidential and individuals can choose to remain anonymous.
ADDITIONAL NOTE : If you or someone you know is in need of immediate help, please call the Samaritans of Singapore Hotline at 1767, the Institute of Mental Health’s Helpline at 6389 2222, or the Singapore Association for Mental Health Helpline at 1800 283 7019. In case of an immediate risk, please contact 24-hour emergency medical services.
Image for illustration purpose
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