Singapore, 12 July 2024 (Friday) – Singapore reported a total of 322 suicide deaths in 2023 – the lowest since 2000 – with a decrease of 32.4% from 2022. It is also observed that there is a decrease in suicide deaths across all age groups for the first time.

Other key findings from the report include:
• Suicide death rate is 6.17 per 100,000 Singaporean residents
• Amongst the 322 suicide deaths, 222 (68.9%) deaths are male
• A decrease of 31.2% in suicide deaths for youths aged 10-29 as compared to 2022
• For the fifth consecutive year, suicide has persisted as the leading cause of death
amongst youths aged 10-29, constituting 29.2% of all deaths within this age group

Chief Executive Officer of Samaritans of Singapore Limited (SOS), Mr Gasper Tan, commented, “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.”

These efforts cannot be fulfilled alone. SOS collaborates with government agencies, religious and non-profit organisations, and community groups, targeting various sectors, including families, corporates and youths.

By fostering strong connected families and communities, timely support can help to mitigate the risk of suicide amongst youths. In 2023, SOS launched ‘Mindful Bytes’ in hopes of widening the safety nets for youths aged 13 and above. This programme aims to engage youths in safe online conversations, providing vital support to those at risk of suicide.

“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,” says Assoc Prof Daniel Fung, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Mental Health.

Despite the reduction in numbers, there is still more to be done.

“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.” said Dr Jared Ng, Medical Director, Connections MindHealth.

Mr Tan concluded, “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.

####################

 

About SOS
Samaritans of Singapore Limited (SOS) is a secular, non-profit suicide prevention centre. Since its establishment in 1969, SOS has developed into a professionally run and managed organisation. It adopts a holistic approach to suicide-related topics, focusing on prevention, intervention and postvention, an intervention conducted after a suicide for loved ones and friends. With the mission to be an available lifeline to anyone in crisis, SOS offers emotional support to people in crisis, thinking of suicide, or affected by suicide. All information shared with SOS is treated as confidential and people can choose to remain anonymous.

24-hour Hotline (1-767)
24-hour CareText (WhatsApp 9151 1767)

 

[NOTE: Breakdown of Annual Suicide Rates based on ICA’s “Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2023”. Figures for 2023 are provisional. The finalised figures are to be published only in the following year’s report.]