What a suicide survivor wants you to know

Recent data from non-profit suicide prevention centre Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) showed that 476 suicide deaths were reported in Singapore in 2022, the highest since 2000.

Of the deaths in 2022, 125 involved those aged 10 to 29. This was 13 more than in 2021 and another high since 2000, which marks SOS’ earliest recorded data.

Suicide is complex but it is preventable. In this episode, ST's senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to Ms Sabrina Ooi, the chief executive and co-founder of Calm Collective Asia, which aims to normalise mental health conversations in Asia.

Ms Ooi is 33. She was diagnosed with depression at 24, battled suicidal thoughts and lives with bipolar disorder. 

Highlights:

• 4:38 Why we need to understand why a depressed person might see suicide as a "solution"

• 7:33 Sabrina Ooi shares how her dad prevented her from committing suicide on another occasion

• 9:28 How can we help a depressed person, who may also have suicidal thoughts?

• 14:18 Tips for parents/caregivers: A listening ear and encouragement to seek professional medical help is better than seeking instant internal family solutions

• 20:08 Being diagnosed with major depression at the age of 24; why being able to talk and not fearing judgment is crucial

• 29:23 Can mental health conditions be managed early in the same way general health matters are treated?

Produced by: Joyce Teo, Ernest Luis and Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh