Abeer Athar
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Written By: Abeer Athar | Published : August 2, 2025 10:00 AM IST
Suicide Cases On The Rise Among Young Adults As Uncertainties And Not Just Depression Grip Youth
The world is dealing with a pandemic of poor mental health, and what has been accelerating the pace of this pandemic is the financial stress, caregiving duties and the unparalleled career demands, and all of that has been a cause of burnout among many people in Singapore at a very young age of 30s and a little above. Experts have warned and alarmed that this so-called sandwich generation is at risk of facing rising suicide rates.
What has been even more alarming is that in one of the recent reports, it has been found out that in 2024, around 75 people who are aged 30-39 ended up losing by suicide, which has seen an uptick from 66, which was recorded in 2023.
This was recorded to be the highest for any age group. The reason for that it has been said that these adults are at risk of encountering unique pressures and which is causing this problem. What is causing a concern is that they have unpredictable jobs, family issues and even parallel mental health issues.
"It is often assumed that depression is the cause of all suicides, but suicide is often due to the interaction of a myriad of factors and life circumstances," the South China Morning Post quoted Lu as saying.
Dr Sharon Lu says that suicide usually results from a combination of factors, not just depression.
"Depression may be one of the many stressors an individual is struggling with, but someone who is not depressed can still be suicidal," she added.
Such stress can be difficult to manage with but follow these few simple tips to help yourself fight such strenuous times
It is important to be regular and do more physical activity, as it has been noted that even moderate exercise like walking can be a powerful stress reliever by releasing endorphins and improving mood. This can help you fight stress and eliminate any suicidal thoughts.
It is important to feel the need for a healthy diet as it is something that can help you fuel your body with nutritious foods that support your overall well-being. Avoid excessive sugar and caffeine, which can exacerbate anxiety. This can help you fight any negative emotions, and that can reduce the scope of depression.
It is important to feel the need to have enough sleep, and one should aim for a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine. Adequate sleep is crucial for both physical and mental recovery.
Incorporate activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga into your daily routine. These techniques help calm the nervous system and reduce feelings of stress.
You cannot neglect the importance of talking to a person who makes you feel better, and hence it is important to connect with friends, family, or support groups. Talking about your feelings and experiences can provide valuable emotional support and perspective, as this can help you work through all the bad feelings and feel better.
30s can be a tough time when there are tremendous responsibilities, and hence it is important to break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. One must prioritise effectively and learn to say no to additional commitments when you're already feeling overwhelmed. Setting boundaries can help you keep yourself at peace.
Thirties can be a tough time to deal with as one has to make decisions about careers, marriages, having children and family, and that can bring a lot of pressure, depression is just one of the factors that is causing suicides, and the above-mentioned are the rest. The tips can help you deal with your thirties better. The concern is not only limited to the people in Singapore, but one of the researchers has shown that Indians, too, who are aged between 30 and 44, face a rising suicide risk, and that is indeed a cause for concern.
