Measures to Address Rising Suicide Rates Among Young People and Strategies to Improve Mental Health Support

Ms Hazel Poa asked the Minister for Health what measures will be taken to address the rising suicide rates, especially among the young people.

Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Health in light of the recent increase in suicide rates in Singapore particularly among young people aged 20 to 29 (a) what measures are being taken to address this alarming trend; and (b) what strategies are being implemented to improve mental health support for this age group.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Suicide is tragic, personal, complex and multifaceted. The best interventions include building mental resilience, encouraging help-seeking, spotting early indicators for crisis intervention and supporting individuals in crisis, with support from multiple stakeholders.

This will be addressed in the next sitting together with similar Parliamentary Questions for a more holistic reply. [Please refer to "Steps to Address Rise in Suicide Cases and Make Mental Healthcare Assistance Readily Accessible", Official Report, 3 August 2023, Vol 95, Issue 110, Oral Answers to Questions section.]