About 25 percent of all suicides last year involved youth, or those below 30 years old. This figure is up from the 10-year-average of 20 percent. This was reported by the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS).
The SOS said between April 2013 and March 2014, 80 percent of those who used its email befriending service were youth. Youth also made up 45 per cent of the 168 people who went for crisis counselling.
Family issues topped the causes of suicide amongst youth. Other top causes include relationship problems, and depression.
The SOS said youth may find it difficult to receive support from their families when they cannot cope with problems in their life. This lack of family support can increase the sense of isolation and helplessness they feel.
On the whole, suicide rates in Singapore nosedived by about 10 percent last year, compared to the year 2012 – from 467 incidents to 422 incidents.
*If you know of any friends who might need help or counselling, get them to call the SOS. Their identity will remain anonymous.
This is the SOS hotline: 1800 221 4444
