Suicide rates in Singapore hit an all time high in 2012 according to a local charity group.
(AFP, 12 Jul) – Suicide rates in Singapore hit an all time high of 487 in 2012 according to a local charity group dealing with the problem.
The Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) say there has been a 29 per cent increase since 2011 as more young people, bogged down by stress and relationship woes, took their own lives.
“These include unemployment, stress with studies or work, financial worries, family life, struggles with social interactions and feelings of loneliness,” said SOS.
SOS provides emotional support through private counselling and a 24-hour telephone hotline to prevent suicides.
Christine Wong, executive director of SOS, says young people under stress tend to hide their pain behind a facade, not knowing where, how or who they can approach for help.
“People around them may not be aware of their distress and are hence, unable to provide the support needed,” Ms Wong said.
Ms Wong says the community should play an important role in “de-stigmatising” suicide by encouraging those under stress to talk about their struggles and suicidal feelings.
SOS received 39,994 calls on its telephone hotline in 2012, down from 40,025 in 2011.
Suicide cases have consistently hovered around two percent of total deaths in Singapore, an affluent city-state of 5.3 million residents known for its pressure-laden school system.
Despite a virtually full employment rate, Singapore also has a highly competitive work environment.
Suicide is an offence in the compact island-state and anyone who survives an attempt faces a jail term of up to a year, a fine or both.
Source: AFP