441 suicides reported in Singapore in 2024; deaths among adults aged 30 to 39 up 50%

Singapore recorded 441 suicides in 2024, a figure that includes a concerning 50% rise in deaths among adults aged 30 to 39. This demographic now stands as the second leading cause of death for individuals in that age bracket, according to finalised data from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), as reported by Samaritans of Singapore (SOS).

While suicide numbers decreased across all other age groups, the 30-39 age bracket saw an increase from 66 deaths in the previous year to 99 in 2024. SOS attributes this trend to the complex pressures and psychosocial stressors faced by adults in this group, often related to family, employment, and social isolation.

Overall provisional data for 2025 indicated 256 suicides, though SOS noted that final figures can differ significantly, as seen with the 2024 numbers being revised upward from a provisional 314 to 441. Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam previously explained that provisional figures only include cases confirmed at the time of reporting, with some deaths potentially reclassified as suicides after coroner's inquiries are completed.

Analysis of the 441 reported suicides reveals a gender disparity: 290 (65.8%) were men and 151 (34.2%) were women. This gap was particularly pronounced among those aged 60 and above, where men died by suicide at approximately three times the rate of women. SOS cited research suggesting men are more socially isolated, less likely to seek help, and more prone to using lethal means in attempts. For older individuals, medical issues and social isolation remain key concerns.

Despite women accounting for a smaller proportion of overall suicides, they represented 62.5% of calls and texts received by SOS. This suggests higher rates of help-seeking among women, potentially linked to societal roles, caregiving responsibilities, and experiences of gender-based violence.

“

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.