We still struggle to talk about suicide as a society because the topic has remained taboo.and self-harm among students in our schools filed in Parliament last February saw the Ministry of Education highlight a general skittishness towards doing so for fear that releasing such information could increase the risk of suicide incidences.
Here in Singapore, SOS guidelines echoing global best practices from World Health Organization also encourage the media to avoid explicit details, exercise caution in the use of wording and choice of images, show consideration for the bereaved, and provide information on resources and encourage help-seeking.
“There is only one hotline, demand is too high and supply too low. The Institute of Mental Health is FULL, patients wait up to 8 hours and I was sent to the general ward because there were no beds. There are limited conversations and support groups and services for suicidal patients and suicide survivors”, said a poll participant.
This is why I urged the Government to establish a national suicide prevention strategy in an adjournment motion last year - one that prioritises interventions including establishing a robust continuity of care framework for those who have attempted suicide.whether an admission is due to attempted suicide so healthcare agencies can coordinate care beyond the provision of medication.
We can pay attention to unusual and sustained changes in actions , words , feelings , and physical changes .