Serious action must be taken to combat suicide in the elderly, Letters in Print News & Top Stories



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According to the World Health Organization, suicide rates were highest among seniors last year, and the rate is expected to increase as the elderly population of Singapore increases (the number suicide among seniors peaks on July 30). However, the prevention of such a tragedy is a very neglected area.

Authorities should convene a task force and involve key stakeholders to help prevent and respond to the suicide of older people through crisis management systems and resilience enhancement. information, skills, support and services.

In particular, they should focus on those who have shown signs of suicidal tendencies as well as those belonging to vulnerable and high-risk groups, such as those with chronic physical and mental illnesses. stress, bereavement, lifestyle and functional impairment.

There should be a comprehensive review of current suicide prevention systems at all levels of society and for all age groups. This should include improving codes of conduct for coverage of these cases by online media and print media.

Anyone lost by suicide darkens our country and is the responsibility of all Singaporeans.

Patrick Liew Siow Gian (Dr.)


HELPLINES

Samaritans From Singapore: 1800-221-4444

Singapore Association For Mental Health: 1800-283- 7019

Mental Health Mobile Crisis Institute: 6389-2222

Care Corner Counseling Center (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800

] Silver ribbon: 6386-1928

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