Facebook user Kevin Ong expressed shock that a young teenager took his life by jumping off a highrise building. Kevin expressed further surprise that the suicide went unreported in the newspapers. He wondered if it was because teen suicide were on the rise that it is no longer news-worthy.
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) reported in July last year that teen suicides in Singapore is the highest in 15 years. SOS said youngsters cite mental health and relationship issues, academic pressure as sources of stress. Every month in 2014, more than two young people aged 10 to 19 killed themselves.
SOS said that the teenage years can be a difficult time when young people struggle with issues of identity and belonging. At greater risk are those who have mental health issues. Those that are stressed by home and study environments are also vulnerable. SOS added young people appear reluctant to seek help from family members during a crisis.
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Helplines:
Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444
Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Institute of Mental Health’s Mobile Crisis Service: 6389-2222
Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800