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Independent Singapore
5 days ago
- Health
- Independent Singapore
Experts link rise in suicides among Singaporeans in their 30s to job insecurity, family pressures, and mental health stress
SINGAPORE: Job insecurity, family pressures, and mental health struggles are among the reasons behind the rise in suicides among those in their 30s in Singapore, according to experts. New figures released on July 19 showed 75 individuals in their 30s died by suicide in 2024, up from 66 in the previous year. It was also the highest number recorded among all age groups, based on provisional data cited by Channel News Asia (CNA) . Principal clinical psychologist Dr Sharon Lu of the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) told CNA that those in their 30s—the sandwich generation—juggle building their careers, raising children, and caring for ageing parents, while also managing financial pressure. At the same time, they worry about job security, housing loans, and daily family expenses. 'The pressure to meet societal expectations and perceived life achievements can further compound these stresses and create social isolation,' she added. Dr Lu noted that suicide is rarely caused by one issue alone and is the result of biological, psychological, social, and cultural risk factors, along with a lack of resilience factors. See also Woman who threw her son from 9th storey flat jailed 5 years While many assume that depression is the cause of all suicides, Dr Lu said that 'someone who is not depressed can still be suicidal.' Psychiatrist and deputy medical director Dr David Teo of Connections MindHealth said many in their 30s start to question whether they've reached the goals they set in their 20s, and when those go unfulfilled, it can lead to 'a sense of failure or hopelessness.' He also pointed to the role of social media, which often fuels comparison and leaves people feeling left behind. SOS' senior manager and lead counsellor Chan May Peng also noted that those in their 30s are 'at crossroads'—questioning career choices, managing relationship commitments, and adjusting to caregiving roles, with some having little or no support. Dr Teo said having a strong social support system is important, while Dr Lu added that prioritising self-care, practicing self-compassion, and maintaining a clear work-life balance can help too. See also NTUC Study reveals Singaporeans fear becoming Sandwich Generation 'Sometimes, people may feel like they don't have enough time for self-care, but it is not something to be done only when it's convenient,' said Dr Lu. Regular exercise, getting enough sleep, meditation, and improving financial habits can all help. Ms Chan also suggested simple ways to reset mentally, like taking short walks in the park while listening to music, journaling, and shifting focus away from overwhelming thoughts, which can create space for emotional recovery and reduce mental load. Experts advised checking in, listening, and encouraging those showing signs of distress or talking about death. Mental health professionals pointed out that signs of stress may not always be obvious. Changes in sleep and appetite, physical fatigue, irritability, or anxiety could be warning signs. Ms Chua from SOS said asking someone directly if they've been thinking about suicide creates a safe space for someone to open up. Dr Teo added that you can also encourage them to seek professional help immediately and check in with them regularly to remind them they're not alone. Dr Lu said giving away personal items, pulling away from others, or changes in what they like or share on social media could be signs someone is at risk. Many who are suicidal already feel guilty or like a burden. What they need most, said Ms Chan, is someone who will listen without judgment, validate their pain, and encourage them to seek help. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available through the National Mental Health Helpline (1771), the Samaritans of Singapore Hotline (1767), and the Singapore Association for Mental Health Helpline (1800 283 7019). /TISG Read also: Chinese company's 'unhappy leave' draws mixed reactions from netizens; one says it's just a way of 'protecting their loss margin'
Independent Singapore
11-07-2025
- Independent Singapore
58-year-old found dead in Holland Village HDB flat; police rule out foul play
Photo: SRX SINGAPORE: A 58-year-old man was found dead in a flat at 10 Holland Avenue in the early hours of Tuesday (July 8). The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it received a call for assistance at around 3:50 am. Paramedics who arrived at the scene found the man lying motionless in the unit. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police were later seen entering and exiting the HDB block, according to a neighbour who spoke with Channel 8. The police have since confirmed the death and said that preliminary investigations have ruled out foul play. The man's identity has not been disclosed, and it is unclear whether he lived alone or with family members. Investigations are ongoing. If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional or mental health issues, help is available. Mental health helplines Institute of Mental Health's Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24-hour CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Tinkle Friend (for children): 1800-274-4788 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10 a.m to 6 p.m.) Counselling helplines Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Online resources If you are in distress or know someone who needs support, do not hesitate to reach out. You are not alone. () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });
CNA
03-07-2025
- CNA
Teenager charged with trespassing onto operational railway track along East-West Line
SINGAPORE: A teenager was charged on Thursday (Jul 3) with trespassing onto an operational railway track along the East-West Line on the night of Mar 27. The 17-year-old Singaporean cannot be named under the Children and Young Persons Act as he was under the age of 18 at the time of the alleged offence. He was given two charges linked to the incident: First, for wilfully endangering the safety of rail travellers under the Rapid Transit Systems Act, and for committing criminal trespass under the Penal Code. According to charge sheets, he entered "scaffolding point 12" at about 8.20pm on Mar 27 along Upper Changi Road. The area is under the Land Transport Authority (LTA). He then climbed up the scaffolding and gained access to the MRT train tracks during operational hours, the charges indicate. Soon after, he allegedly trespassed onto the railway track between Simei and Tanah Merah stations, endangering the safety of people travelling along the track. He was remanded at the Institute of Mental Health for medical examination and will return to court later this month. The police said in an earlier statement that they had received a report about the incident on Jun 10. Officers identified the teen and arrested him on Jul 1. After the police identified the teenager's alleged point of entry, LTA took immediate action to enhance security measures at the location to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents, the police said. If convicted of criminal trespass, the boy can be jailed for up to three months, fined up to S$1,500 (US$1,178), or both. If convicted of wilfully endangering the safety of people on the railway, he could be jailed for up to five years, fined up to S$10,000, or both.
Daily Mail
30-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Dementia risk soars if you're hit by mid-life problem that affects 10million Britons, researchers find
People who suffer with depression in mid-life are more likely to develop dementia, according to a new study. In a major study of 2.5million people, British experts discovered that lasting feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness in your 40s and 50s increases the risk of the disease by as much as 56 per cent. The researchers also identified a significant link between late life depression, where symptoms develop at around 65 years of age or older, and dementia. Lead author Professor Jacob Brain, from the Institute of Mental Health and School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham said the findings suggested that depression could be a 'warning sign' of upcoming cognitive decline. 'This highlights the importance of recognising and treating depression across the life course, not just for mental health, but also as part of a broader strategy to protect brain health,' he said. The team said the potential links between depression and dementia are complex, but highlighted chronic inflammation and changes in blood flow to the brain as potential causes for the comorbidity. It is thought that depression may accelerate the cognitive collapse that is associated with dementia—for instance memory loss, language difficulties and problems with thinking and reasoning. However, the authors stated that the link between depression and dementia in later life may be because the memory-robbing disease can cause mood problems in its early stages. Writing in the EClinicalMedicine journal, Prof Brain said: 'Depression in late life may represent an early manifestation of dementia.' The researchers concluded that early detection and treatment for depression could minimise the risk of dementia onset—and this should be a focus for future research. They added that further research is needed to confirm whether interventions that promote physical activity and other lifestyle changes to support mental health earlier in life can reduce dementia risk. However, researchers noted the prevelance of depression among participants may have been overestimated—as not all depressed volunteers were diagnosed by a medical professional. Around 982,000 people in the UK are thought to be living with dementia, according to Alzheimer's Association. Dementia is an umbrella term for several diseases—the most common of which is Alzheimer's—that affect memory, thinking and the ability to perform daily activities. The condition gets worse over time, as the disease attacks nerve cells in the brain, typically leading to the deterioration of cognitive function. Dementia cases are expected to sky-rocket to 1.4million people by 2040, making early prevention treatments vital to get to grips with the challenge. The disease cost the UK around £42billion in 2024 alone. The cost of dementia in the UK is forecast to be £90 billion in the next 15 years. The latest findings come as Spanish scientists recently discovered that upping your exercise quota around middle age could help stave off Alzheimer's disease in later life. They found that those who increased their activity levels to around two and a half hours a week were less prone to toxic protein amyloid spreading in the brain. Significant clumps of this protein, along with another, tau, can form plaques and tangles in the brain—which is thought to be behind dementia symptoms. Experts have warned for years that leading a sedentary lifestyle raises the risk of numerous health problems including weight gain, type 2 diabetes, cancer and even an early grave. It has been estimated that 13 per cent of all Alzheimer's cases could be linked to physical inactivity. It comes as a landmark study last year also suggested almost half of all Alzheimer's cases could be prevented by tackling 14 lifestyle factors. To reduce dementia risk throughout life, the commission also made 13 recommendations for both people and governments. These include making hearing aids available for all those who need it, reducing harmful noise exposure, and increased detection and treatment access for high cholesterol among the over-40s. Experts claimed the study, published in the prestigious journal The Lancet, provided more hope than 'ever before' that the memory-robbing disorder that blights the lives of millions can be prevented.
CNA
15-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Deep Dive Podcast - WP's Ong Lue Ping on stepping down from IMH senior leadership to join opposition
When he decided to be actively involved as a Workers' Party candidate, senior principal child psychologist Dr Ong Lue Ping decided to move out of his then-director position at the Institute of Mental Health. The WP candidate for Tampines GRC tells Steven Chia why staying could have presented a conflict of interest, and what prompted him to join the opposition party.
