S1E110: What a suicide survivor wants you to know

Our guest shares her experience with depression and suicidal ideation and how she overcame the unhealthy thoughts. Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Recent data from non-profit suicide prevention centre Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) showed that 476 suicide deaths were reported in Singapore in 2022, the highest since 2000. Of the deaths in 2022, 125 involved those aged 10 to 29. This was 13 more than in 2021 and another high since 2000, which marks SOS’ earliest recorded data. Suicide is complex but it is preventable. In this episode, ST's senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to Ms Sabrina Ooi, the chief executive and co-founder of Calm Collective Asia, which aims to normalise mental health conversations in Asia. Ms Ooi is 33. She was diagnosed with depression at 24, battled suicidal thoughts and lives with bipolar disorder.  Highlights (click/tap above): 4:38 Why we need to understand why a depressed person might see suicide as a "solution" 7:33 Sabrina Ooi shares how her dad prevented her from committing suicide on another occasion 9:28 How can we help a depressed person, who may also have suicidal thoughts? 14:18 Tips for parents/caregivers: A listening ear and encouragement to seek professional medical help is better than seeking instant internal family solutions 20:08 Being diagnosed with major depression at the age of 24; why being able to talk and not fearing judgment is crucial 29:23 Can mental health conditions be managed early in the same way general health matters are treated? Listen to our previous live recording at Temasek Shophouse that featured Sabrina Ooi as one of our guests: https://str.sg/iwkc HelplinesMENTAL WELL-BEING•  Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)•  Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)•  Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019•  Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928•  Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788•  Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1•  Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) COUNSELLING•  TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252•  TOUCH Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555•  Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180•  Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 ONLINE RESOURCES•  moht.com.sg/mindline-sg•  eC2.sg•  tinklefriend.sg•  chat.mentalhealth.sg•  carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)•  limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25) Produced by: Joyce Teo ([email protected]), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh Edited by: Eden Soh Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv  SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: [email protected] Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN --- Discover more ST podcast channels: In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Special edition series: True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa --- Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.