Questioning whether current suicide prevention strategies are working

Despite years of government-led campaigns and increased spending, suicide rates in Singapore have not declined, and in key demographics have risen sharply. Critics argue that the current approach focuses too much on public awareness and not enough on addressing root causes such as work stress, financial insecurity, and academic pressure. The 50% increase among adults aged 30 to 39 suggests that initiatives have not reached those most at risk. Reasonable people question the effectiveness because the numbers tell a stark story: more people are dying each year. There is also concern that mental health services are still hard to access, with long waiting times and high costs. While the government has shown intent, the impact on the ground remains limited. Without more aggressive measures, including regulating workplace hours and improving financial safety nets, the trend may continue. The emphasis on resilience and self-care may inadvertently place blame on individuals. Critics say that structural changes, such as enforcing work-life balance laws and expanding affordable therapy, are needed. Until these deeper issues are addressed, suicide prevention efforts may fall short of their goals.