Introduction    Suicide is a topic that's close to my heart, because I'd contemplated about ending my life on numerous occasions in the past. Globally, suicide remains a silent crisis, affecting countless individuals and families. Despite the stigma, it’s crucial to have open conversations about it, especially because it often stems from mental health struggles that require understanding and compassion. How Prevalent is Suicide Globally? With over 700,000 people dying by suicide every year globally, this equates to one life lost every 40 seconds. ( https://www.who.int/health-topics/suicide#tab=tab_1 ) This number may be higher due to under-reporting caused by stigma surrounding suicide in many cultures.  ( https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_suicide_rate )  Suicide is one of the leading causes of death globally.( https://www.who.int/news/item/17-06-2021-one-in-100-deaths-is-by-suicide ) The global suicide rate is about 9 per 100,000 people, but it va...

Introduction  In a world where we often assume safety and stability, events can unfold that shake these assumptions to the core. Last week, a tragic incident involving two students from a well-known secondary school shocked Singapore, challenging perceptions of school as a safe haven.  It’s easy to think of institutions like schools as places where young people can find refuge and guidance, yet this tragedy highlights that even in these seemingly secure environments, the silent battles of mental health can often go unnoticed. This post delves into the urgent need for understanding, compassion and active support for mental health. By bringing light into the dark places where mental illness dwells, we can foster a culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported.  School - A Safe Haven? Last week, a 16-year-old boy from a very good secondary school killed a fellow student. And when that made the news, it apparently sent shock waves across the whole of Singapore. ...