Suicides in Singapore

14 April 2014

Question No. 1877

Name of Person: Mr Laurence Lien, Nominated MP

Question

To ask the Minister for Health what are the top five reasons, by percentages, for suicides in Singapore in 2012 and 2013.

Answer

1.                 Suicidal behaviour has a large number of complex underlying factors, including family, social, economic and mental health issues. A local study based on Singapore’s suicide statistics from 2000-2004 had reported that relationship problems were associated with one-third of all suicides, and financial or employment issues were associated with a further one third. For suicides amongst elderly, gradual physical disability and suffering were important risk factors especially if coupled with the lack of adequate community and family support. However, it is important to note that it is often not just one factor but a combination of several factors interacting with each other which may trigger suicidal behaviour.

2.                 In view of the complexities and multi-factorial triggers, multi-pronged strategies are required to help address suicide behaviours. These include collaborative efforts among different Ministries such as MSF, MOE, MHA, MOH and stakeholders in the social sectors. The broad approaches involve: i) building greater resilience in the population; ii) developing targeted interventions for high-risk individuals, and; iii) increasing public awareness of mental health issues.

3.                 Building resilience takes place at many levels. In schools, students are taught to set realistic and achievable goals for themselves, build positive and healthy relationships with others and seek help when necessary.

4.                 There are a variety of professional services to support persons who are at risk. Family Service Centres (FSCs) provide professional intervention and support to help families and individuals resolve their social and emotional difficulties and build resilience, stability and independence. FSCs will also help to pull together community resources and services to help these families and individuals where necessary. For elderly persons who live alone, there are also befriending programmes and Senior Activity Centres that offer support through centre-based activities and home visits.

5.                 To increase public awareness of mental health issues, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) conducts public education programmes regularly to promote mental wellbeing among children, adults and seniors. These programmes include workshops at the workplace where young employees pick up skills to manage stress and build their resilience. A workplace mental health promotion grant was put in place from 2011 to support employers in carrying out mental health promotion activities.