S1E92: How suicide can impact families and friends

Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

Suicide is a complex phenomenon, one that is not yet fully understood. It's why the Institute of Mental Health has embarked on the first psychological autopsy in Singapore, to study to explore and analyse the risk factors for suicide. 

In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Ms Jacqueline Pak. She is 42 and the head of corporate affairs in a boutique consultancy firm. She lost her father to suicide when she was 17. She shares the impact it has had on her life.

If you're having thoughts of suicide or know someone feeling suicidal, please reach out for help, and we have included helplines below.

To find out more about the study, you can e-mail: imhresearch@imh.com.sg

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:10 Ms Pak recalls when her dad died of suicide when she was 17

6:55 Anger, denial and guilt in her family, following his suicide; harsh reactions from friends

13:40 Challenge in getting help back then: Being told how to feel and what to do

16:50 How one doctor changed her life after she left to work in Australia at 26

23:30 Why Ms Pak is participating in the new IMH survey and what it took for her to do this interview; breaking the vicious circle of taboo

28:45 Ms Pak's tips for suicide survivors and those who have lost loved ones through suicide

HELPLINES

National Care: 1800-202-6868

Samaritans of Singapore Hotline: 1-767; CareText: (WhatsApp) 9151-1767 (24-hour)

Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800 2837 019

Institute Of Mental Health: 6389 2222 (24-hour)

Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353 1180

Silver Ribbon: 6386-1928

Tinkle Friend: 1800 2744 788 and www.tinklefriend.sg

Community Health Assessment Team: 6493 6500 and www.chat.mentalhealth.sg

TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800 3772 252

TOUCH Care Line (for seniors, caregivers): 6804 6555

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Fa'izah Sani and Eden Soh

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