Decrease in Suicide Rate and Measures to Enhance Mental Health Support for Vulnerable Groups
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the factors contributing to the 2023 decrease in suicide rates and the measures implemented to enhance mental health support for vulnerable groups. Dr Wan Rizal raised the inquiry, prompting Minister Ong Ye Kung to detail a whole-of-society approach that includes public education, peer support training, and 24/7 crisis helplines. Minister Ong Ye Kung emphasized that normalising mental health conversations and reducing stigma are essential for early intervention and sustaining the current downward trend. For youths, the focus remains on building resilience and school-based support, while the Silver Generation Office identifies seniors for referral to Active Ageing Centres. These seniors also receive befriending and buddying services to ensure their needs are met through consistent community engagement and regular wellness check-ins.
Transcript
35 Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Health (a) what factors have contributed to the decrease in the number of suicides in Singapore in 2023; and (b) what measures are being implemented to sustain this trend and enhance mental health support particularly for vulnerable groups, such as youths and the elderly.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Member is referring to the data in in the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2023 published by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority. These are provisional data and the finalised figures will be published in the following year's report.
We have adopted a whole-of-society approach to address the issue of suicide. We have run several public education campaigns, trained peer supporters and frontline personnel to support those with mental health needs, built up resilience among our youth and students and expanded our community mental health services and 24/7 crisis helplines.
However, what is most important and hopefully starting to reduce the prevalence of suicides, is to change societal attitudes, by normalising conversations around mental health and reducing stigma in seeking help early. These are fundamental goals that we are on.
For youths, we will continue to promote mental well-being and resilience and equip them with skills, such as emotion regulation. Educators and school counsellors are also trained to identify students with mental health challenges and refer them to additional support where necessary. We are also building up peer support.
For seniors, the Silver Generation Office reaches out to those aged 60 and above to identify their needs and refer them to relevant support or services, such as Active Ageing Centres for regular check-ins, and befriending and buddying services.