Suicide

If you are at risk of immediate harm, please call 995 or go to an Emergency Department (A&E) at a hospital.

If there is immediate danger

In Singapore, call 995 for an emergency ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department if your life is at risk. Ask a trusted person to stay with you and help you get care. Move away from anything you could use to hurt yourself, if you can do so safely. Do not wait for an SCC booking, WhatsApp response or counselling session. SCC is not an emergency or crisis-response service.

If you are helping someone in immediate danger, stay with them if it is safe and call for emergency assistance. Tell the responder where you are and what has happened. Do not promise to keep an immediate safety risk secret.

Understanding suicidal thoughts

Suicidal thoughts can include wishing you would not wake up, thinking about ending your life or feeling unsure whether you can keep going. They may be brief or persistent, frightening or difficult to talk about. All deserve attention, including thoughts without a plan.

Suicide is complex and has no single cause. HealthHub describes several factors that can contribute to suicide risk. Mental health conditions, pain, loss, isolation and stressful circumstances may contribute in different ways. A person’s situation cannot be understood from one event or a checklist.

Someone may continue working, studying or caring for relatives while feeling deeply distressed. In Singapore, concerns about examinations, job security, finances or family expectations may make it harder to speak openly. These are possible pressures, not explanations for every person’s experience. They may fear burdening others, losing privacy or being judged. You can begin by telling one safe person what is happening, without first finding a perfect explanation.

Changes that need attention

The HealthHub guide to warning signs highlights statements about wanting to die, feeling trapped or being a burden, alongside changes in behaviour. Warning signs can include:

• Talking about having no reason to live or unbearable distress.
• Withdrawing from people, saying goodbye or giving away valued belongings unexpectedly.
• Making preparations to end one’s life or expressing an intention to act.
• Marked agitation, risky behaviour or increased alcohol or drug use.
• A significant change in mood, sleep or usual behaviour.

These signs are reasons to check in and seek help, not a way to predict what one person will do. The absence of visible signs does not prove someone is safe. Take a disclosure seriously even if they have mentioned suicide before.

Getting through the next step

If you are not in immediate danger, contact a GP, polyclinic or mental health professional promptly and explain that you are having suicidal thoughts. In Singapore, national mindline’s First Stop for Mental Health can help you identify a suitable service when you are unsure where to begin. You can ask a trusted person to accompany you and tell the service your preferred language. If thoughts are intensifying or you are unsure you can stay safe, seek urgent assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

It may help to use direct words: “I am having thoughts about suicide, and I need support.” Ask someone to sit with you while you make contact or accompany you for assessment. You can bring written notes about what has changed and what feels hardest.

A clinician may ask about the thoughts, your intentions, past experiences, current support and access to anything that could harm you. These questions guide care. An assessment is an opportunity to explain your circumstances and discuss what support is appropriate now.

How ongoing counselling may help

Once immediate safety needs are addressed, counselling can help explore the experiences behind the distress and develop ways to respond when thoughts return. Work may involve managing overwhelming emotions, recognising patterns of thinking, problem-solving and strengthening connection with others.

A collaborative safety plan can identify early warning signs, steps you find helpful, people to contact and clear routes to urgent care. It should also address reducing access to potential means of harm. This is a practical plan to use and review, rather than a promise never to feel suicidal.

Some people need specialist psychological treatment, psychiatric assessment or hospital care. A doctor can assess mental and physical health, discuss whether medication is appropriate and coordinate referrals. Scheduled counselling may complement that care; it cannot provide continuous monitoring or replace an emergency response.

For ongoing sessions, you can ask how progress will be reviewed, who to contact between appointments and what to do outside service hours. Be honest if the arrangement is not meeting your needs. The level of support may need to change over time.

Supporting someone you are worried about

Ask calmly and directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” research guidance on asking directly about suicide explains that asking does not increase suicidal thoughts. Listen without debating, minimising their pain or trying to make them feel guilty. You can say, “I’m glad you told me. Let’s get help together.”

Offer practical help contacting a clinician and continue checking in after they receive care. SOS provides Singapore-based crisis support and information about further counselling support. If they describe immediate danger, use emergency services. Supporting them does not mean managing everything yourself: involve appropriate professionals and other trusted people, with attention to safety and privacy.

Frequently asked questions

Should I get help if I do not have a suicide plan?

Yes. You do not need a plan or a particular level of distress to deserve help. Tell a professional about the thoughts so they can assess your needs and help you plan support.

Can talking about suicide make it more likely?

Evidence does not support that concern. A calm, direct question can open a conversation. Take the answer seriously and help the person reach appropriate care, particularly if safety is uncertain.

Can I book SCC when I need help immediately?

A routine booking is not an emergency response. If you might act on suicidal thoughts or cannot remain safe, call 995 or go to the nearest emergency department. Ongoing counselling can be considered after urgent needs are addressed.