Singapore records 441 suicide deaths in 2024 as cases surge among those aged 30 to 39

SINGAPORE, July 29 — Singapore recorded 441 suicides in 2024, with deaths among adults aged 30 to 39 rising by 50 per cent even as numbers fell across all other age groups, local news organisation CNA reported yesterday.

Citing data from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) reportedly said there were 99 suicides among those aged 30 to 39, up from 66 in 2023.

Suicide was also the second leading cause of death for the age group, which SOS said often faced overlapping pressures involving family, employment and social isolation.

Men accounted for 290, or 65.8 per cent, of the 441 deaths, while women made up the remaining 151.

The gender gap was particularly pronounced among those aged 60 and above, with men dying by suicide at about three times the rate of women.

SOS reportedly said older adults commonly struggled with health problems, reduced mobility, social isolation and the loss of personal connections.

Although women accounted for about one-third of suicide deaths in 2024, they made up 62.5 per cent of suicide-related calls and messages received by SOS, indicating a greater willingness to seek help.

Suicide also remained the leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 29, with family, education and relationship pressures among the concerns highlighted.

Singapore’s suicide death rate rose slightly to 8.23 per 100,000 residents in 2024.

SOS added that provisional data showed 256 suicides in 2025, but cautioned that the figure could change substantially after coroners’ inquiries are completed.

The 2024 total, for example, was revised from an initial provisional figure of 314 to 441 after pending cases were finalised.

* If you are feeling lonely, distressed, or having negative thoughts, Befrienders provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day. A full list of Befrienders contact numbers and state operating hours is available at www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia. Other free support hotlines for young people include Talian Kasih at 15999 (24/7), Talian HEAL at 15555, Talian BuddyBear at 1800-18-2327 (BEAR) daily from 12pm to 12am, the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service at 03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392, and Jakim’s Family, Social and Community Care Centre via WhatsApp at 0111-959 8214.