Singapore recorded 441 suicides in 2024 as deaths among adults aged 30 to 39 rose 50%

Singapore recorded 441 suicides in 2024, with deaths among adults aged 30 to 39 rising 50 per cent from the previous year, according to finalised data from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

The Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) said on 28 July 2026, that the 2024 figure represented an increase from the provisional count of 314 suicides previously reported for that year.

The organisation also said 99 adults aged 30 to 39 died by suicide in 2024, compared with 66 in 2023. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for this age group.

Suicide figures among younger and older groups

While deaths among those aged 30 to 39 increased, suicide numbers declined across all other age groups in 2024, SOS said.

Suicide remained the leading cause of death among youths aged 10 to 29. SOS said young people continued to face stressors involving family, education and interpersonal relationships.

Among adults aged 30 to 39, SOS said observations from its 24-hour crisis helplines indicated that individuals often experienced complex pressures and psychosocial stressors linked to family, employment and social isolation.

The suicide death rate in 2024 increased by 0.04 to 8.23 per 100,000 residents, according to the suicide prevention centre.

Provisional data also showed 256 suicides in Singapore in 2025. SOS cautioned that the figure could change substantially when the data is finalised.

Why provisional figures can change

The difference between provisional and final figures was addressed by Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam in a written parliamentary reply last September.

He said the provisional number published in the annual report on the registration of births and deaths reflected only cases confirmed as suicides when the report was released.

Some unnatural deaths may still be awaiting the outcome of a coroner's inquiry at that stage.

Once an inquiry is completed, some cases may be reclassified as suicides and recorded in the following year's publication, accounting for changes between provisional and final figures.

Men accounted for most suicide deaths

Of the 441 suicides recorded in 2024, 290, or 65.8 per cent, involved men.

The remaining 151 deaths, or 34.2 per cent, involved women.

SOS said the gender disparity was particularly pronounced among people aged 60 and above, with men in that age group dying by suicide at around three times the rate of women.

"Existing research suggests that males are more socially isolated, more reserved in seeking help when experiencing emotional distress, and are more likely to use highly lethal means in suicide attempts," SOS said.

"For older persons aged 60 and above, key issues remain medical issues and social isolation, as they experience a decline in physical health, mobility and social connections."

Women accounted for more suicide-related contacts

Although women accounted for about one-third of suicide deaths in 2024, SOS said they represented 62.5 per cent of suicide-related calls and texts received by the organisation.

SOS said this indicated higher rates of help-seeking among women in connection with pressures associated with differing societal roles and norms.

These included caregiving responsibilities and gender-based violence, the organisation said.

Dr Jared Ng, medical director, psychiatrist and senior consultant at Connections MindHealth, said the figures represented individual lives and lasting grief for those left behind.

"These should not just be numbers. Behind each one is a parent who still lies awake wondering what they missed, a friend who wishes they had called back," he said.

"That grief can last a lifetime."

Crisis intervention and early support

SOS said it de-escalates and prevents one person at imminent risk of suicide every 13 hours through timely crisis intervention.

Over the past year, the organisation responded to more than 55,000 calls and chats through its 24-hour hotline and CareText services.

It also highlighted early intervention through its Be A Samaritan programme, which aims to equip people to recognise signs of distress, start conversations and guide those in need towards appropriate support.

More than 2,000 individuals across workplaces, schools and communities were trained through the programme in the past financial year.

SOS also provided in-person counselling services and support groups to more than 1,200 individuals experiencing emotional crisis.

"Suicide prevention cannot rest solely with crisis services or mental health professionals," said SOS CEO Terry Siow.

"It requires all of us as family members, friends, colleagues, and neighbours, to recognise when someone may be struggling and have the confidence to start a conversation and direct them to the appropriate support resources."

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please seek help immediately. In Singapore, you can contact the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) at 1-767 or text 9151 1767 for support. You’re not alone, and help is available.