Debated in Parliament on 6 Aug 2024.
Mr Keith Chua asked the Minister for Health for each year from 2019 to 2023 (a) what is the number of patients diagnosed with suicide ideation; and (b) what are the top three circumstances or conditions leading to thoughts about suicide.
Mr Keith Chua asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry has information on those identified with suicide ideation; (b) if so, for each year from 2019 to 2023, what is the percentage for (i) children and youth and (ii) seniors respectively; and (c) whether there have been discernible trends for both groups.
The Ministry of Health does not track data on suicidal ideation.
The 2016 Singapore Mental Health Study estimated lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation at 7.8%. Young persons 18 to 34 years old are more likely to have suicidal ideation, compared to those 50 and above. The top three mental health conditions associated with suicidal ideation are Bipolar Disorder, Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Among other factors associated with suicidal ideation are being divorced or separated, and having a physical illness.
Due to the complex nature of suicide, it is often not possible to attribute an individual’s suicidal ideation to any particular circumstance or condition.
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