Surge in Singapore Suicides Reaches 20-Year High, Reports Samaritans

Singapore has experienced its highest number of suicides since 2000, reflecting an increase in mental distress caused by various factors such as societal pressures and economic uncertainty, as stated in a report by the non-profit organization Samaritans of Singapore Ltd.

According to a statement on the Samaritans’ website, the city-state reported a total of 476 suicides in 2022, with a notable rise among both young individuals and the elderly. The report also highlighted that suicide remained the leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 29, accounting for nearly 39 percent of the total deaths in this age group for the fourth consecutive year.

These escalating figures emphasize the importance of addressing mental health issues and raising awareness. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target to reduce the global suicide rate by one-third by the year 2030.

A WHO report reveals that approximately 703,000 people died by suicide in 2019, making it one of the leading causes of death worldwide. However, the current global rate of decline, which indicates a 36 percent reduction over a span of 20 years through 2019, is still insufficient to achieve the 2030 target, as estimated by the WHO.