Vibe Check Practice

Some people don't look like they are struggling, until it's too late... 

In July, the latest numbers on suicide in Singapore made headlines again.

314 lives lost in 2024.
That’s 314 people — not just a statistic, but 314 stories.
Some were young — still figuring out life. Some were in their 30s — juggling careers, caregiving, and quiet crises. Most were men. Many never said a word.

And yet… many of us kept scrolling.

This Isn’t Just a Mental Health Issue

Let’s be real: suicide isn’t just about “depression” or “mental illness.”

Sometimes, it’s about burnout that doesn’t stop.

Sometimes it’s about carrying the weight of being the strong one for too long.

Or believing you have to keep it together, no matter what — especially when the world only praises your achievements, not your honesty.

It’s about shame.

It’s about feeling like reaching out is a burden.

It’s about wondering if anyone would really understand.

In our current society, where success is often worn like armor, these wounds hide in plain sight.

The Silent Epidemic No One Talks About

• Suicide was again the leading cause of death among youths aged 10–29 last year.
• The biggest jump happened among those aged 30–39 — from 43 deaths in 2023 to 75 in 2024.
• More than 64% of suicide deaths were men.

These numbers don’t tell you what these people were going through. But they do remind us that even the people who seem “okay” may be hurting the most.

What Needs to Change

We need to stop waiting until a crisis occurs.

• Therapy shouldn’t be a last resort. It’s not just for breakdowns — it’s also for maintenance, reflection, and prevention.
• We need to talk about pain — emotional, mental, spiritual — the way we talk about physical injuries. Without shame.
• We need to check in — and mean it. “How are you?” can’t just be small talk anymore.

Even just holding space for someone’s truth — without trying to fix it — is already a step toward healing.

If You’re Struggling

You are not weak.
You’re overwhelmed, not broken.

If you feel like no one sees you, hear this: you matter.
Help exists, even if the first step feels awkward. Even if you don’t know what to say.
And if calling someone feels like too much, you can text. Quietly. Privately.

• SOS 24-hour hotline: 1800-221-4444
• National Mental Health Helpline: 1771 or WhatsApp 6669-1771
  

🌐 Outside of Singapore?
Mental health support exists wherever you are. Here are international directories that can help you find someone to talk to:

• Befrienders Worldwide – Global helplines directory
• Find A Helpline – Quick access by country

And if you prefer quiet, text-based support, we also offers online text therapy options, wherever you are.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to look away from numbers. But every one of those 314 people mattered.

You don’t need to be in a “bad enough” place to seek help.

You just need to be human.

Corlissa Seah, Counsellor & Founder of Vibe Check Practice
Providing online therapy to support mental health and well-being

Book an appointment with us using this link!