A woman in her 30s jumped off a building in Singapore yesterday, becoming the 12th person to die from suicide in the city-state this year.
The woman, whose identity has not been released, jumped from a 15-story building in the Tanjong Pagar area at around 10:30 am. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident is the latest in a series of suicides in Singapore in recent months. According to the Singapore Police Force, there were 11 suicides in the city-state in the first half of 2022, compared to 10 in the same period last year.
Suicide is a major public health problem in Singapore. According to the World Health Organization, Singapore has the highest suicide rate in Southeast Asia, with 10.8 suicides per 100,000 people.
There are a number of factors that may contribute to suicide, including mental illness, financial problems, and relationship problems.
Mental illness is a major risk factor for suicide. People with mental illness are more likely to experience thoughts of suicide and to attempt suicide than people without mental illness.
Financial problems can also lead to suicide. People who are struggling to make ends meet may feel hopeless and desperate, and they may see suicide as a way to escape their problems.
Relationship problems can also be a contributing factor to suicide. People who are going through a divorce or separation, or who are experiencing other relationship problems, may feel isolated and alone, and they may turn to suicide as a way to cope.
If you are concerned about someone who may be suicidal, there are a number of things you can do to help.
- Talk to them. Let them know that you are there for them and that you care about them.
- Listen to them. Allow them to express their feelings without judgment.
- Offer support. Let them know that you are there to help them in any way that you can.
- Encourage them to seek professional help. A therapist can help them to identify the root causes of their suicidal thoughts and to develop coping mechanisms.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, it is important to seek help immediately.
- Call a crisis hotline. There are a number of crisis hotlines available 24/7.
- Talk to a mental health professional. A therapist can help you to identify the root causes of your suicidal thoughts and to develop coping mechanisms.
- Seek support from family and friends. Let them know that you are struggling and that you need their support.
Suicide is a preventable tragedy. If you are concerned about someone who may be suicidal, or if you are having thoughts of suicide yourself, please seek help immediately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming that someone who is talking about suicide is not serious. Even if someone is joking about suicide, it is important to take them seriously.
- Telling someone who is suicidal to “snap out of it” or to “just be positive.” This is not helpful and can make the person feel worse.
- Leaving someone who is suicidal alone. If you are concerned about someone who may be suicidal, stay with them until they can get help.
- Ignoring your own suicidal thoughts. If you are having thoughts of suicide, it is important to seek help immediately.
FAQs
- What are the signs of suicide?
- What should I do if I am concerned about someone who may be suicidal?
- What should I do if I am having thoughts of suicide?
- What are the resources available to help people who are suicidal?
- How can I prevent suicide?
Tables
Table 1: Number of Suicides in Singapore, 2017-2022
| Year | Number of Suicides |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 95 |
| 2018 | 104 |
| 2019 | 106 |
| 2020 | 111 |
| 2021 | 118 |
| 2022 (first half) | 11 |
Table 2: Suicide Rates in Southeast Asia, 2020
| Country | Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people) |
|---|---|
| Singapore | 10.8 |
| Malaysia | 3.6 |
| Thailand | 3.4 |
| Indonesia | 3.3 |
| Philippines | 2.8 |
Table 3: Risk Factors for Suicide
- Mental illness
- Financial problems
- Relationship problems
- Substance abuse
- Trauma
- Chronic pain
- Social isolation
Table 4: Protective Factors Against Suicide
- Strong social support
- Coping skills
- Access to mental health care
- Hope for the future
- Positive self-esteem
Conclusion
Suicide is a preventable tragedy. If you are concerned about someone who may be suicidal, or if you are having thoughts of suicide yourself, please seek help immediately.
