lowest suicide rate in 20 years — what now?

hello zesties 🍋

continuing the last of my mental health series for world suicide prevention day, i wanted to share a piece of good news! singapore reported its lowest suicide rates for 2023 in more than 20 years! its indeed a milestone worth celebrating — thank you to all mental health professionals, support organisations & the community as a whole!

BUT! dont get too comfortable, there’s still more work to be done definitely. despite the overall decline, there are still troubling trends: youth (ages 10-29) and men remain disproportionately affected. for instance, nearly 30% of suicide cases involve young people, and men represent over 68% of the total.

what can YOU do to make a difference?

🧩 Be There

sometimes, just being a good listener can help someone feel less alone. check in with friends and family & let them know you’re there for them!

🧩 Start Conversations

talking about mental health openly can help break the stigma. share your own experiences or start a conversation about mental health in your community!

🧩 Support Mental Health Initiatives

get involved with or support local mental health organizations — think Silver Ribbon or Singapore Association of Mental Health (SAMH). they often need volunteers, donations, or simply your voice to spread awareness!

🧩 Educate Yourself

learn more about mental health and how to support those who might be struggling. knowledge is power, and it can make a real difference!

🧩 Encourage Professional Help

if you know someone who’s struggling, gently encourage them to seek professional help. sometimes, the hardest step is reaching out.

hope this helps ♥️

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