Singapore’s suicide surge: why are more young people taking their own lives?
Provisional data reveals a worrying jump in suicides among those in their thirties. Burnout and financial stress are part of the problem
Provisional statistics released last Saturday showed that 75 people in their thirties took their own lives in 2024, up from 66 the year before. This age group accounted for the highest number of suicides last year.
According to the Samaritans of Singapore, people in their thirties face a unique constellation of complex pressures, from family issues and job instability to mounting mental health challenges.
But suicide is rarely attributable to a single cause. Rather, it arises from what Dr Sharon Lu, principal clinical psychologist at Singapore’s Institute of Mental Health, described as an “interplay of biological, psychological, social and cultural risk factors”, compounded by a lack of resilience.
“It is often assumed that depression is the cause of all suicides, but suicide is often due to the interaction of a myriad of factors and life circumstances,” Lu said.
“Depression may be one of the many stressors an individual is struggling with, but someone who is not depressed can still be suicidal.”