Suicides can be prevented - we all need to work together

NMP recalls her own time of despair and calls for a national suicide prevention strategy

Anthea Ong For The Straits Times
Suicide is preventable, says the writer. Studies show that 50 per cent to 60 per cent of all persons who died by suicide gave some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member.
Suicide is preventable, says the writer. Studies show that 50 per cent to 60 per cent of all persons who died by suicide gave some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member.ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
  • Published
    Jan 31, 2020, 5:00 am SGT
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It was the last Saturday of 2019.

I was sitting by the Singapore literature section of Marine Parade Library, shedding more than a few tears, after two hours of chat with a suicide-bereaved mother. I recalled her comment: "Forever 17" - the words of a heartbroken and guilt-stricken mother of a child gone too soon. Anxiety from school turned to severe depression and took a bright young star from us.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 31, 2020, with the headline 'Suicides can be prevented - we all need to work together'. Subscribe
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