One of the tragedies of an ageing population is the increasing number of seniors who finds life not worth living anymore and choose suicide as the way out. And this is growing rapidly in Singapore.

Ms. Christine Wong, executive director of Samaritans of Singapore in Strait Times (July 30, 2018) said: "It is very worrying that many elderlies are turning to suicide as the only choice to end their pain and struggles, when they should be enjoying their lustre of the golden years. Suicide is preventable. Most importantly, suicidal people do not want to die. They want to live so desperately, but they can't seem to find a way to. They feel like they have exhausted all their options and the pain they are experiencing is well beyond them.”

Suicide ideation is often related to mental health.  Elderly persons who are in early stages of dementia may often suffer from depression that may lead to thoughts of suicide.  Sometimes there are few warning signs.  As a caregiver, it is important to understand that some of the mental health symptoms can be treated and managed today.  Seeking out help from your doctor or mental health professionals is the first step in prevention if you suspect that your loved ones may be in a downward spiral.  In Singapore, there are many non-profits and government agencies that offer training for caregivers that can help you understand their ageing loved ones better and how to look out for warning signs. (Caregivers Alliance).

Christians believe in the sanctity of life and we should do everything we can to help those in suffering to accept that there better ways out than suicide.  As many ageing seniors find themselves in declining health and a burden to their families, the feeling of despair and depression can be overwhelming.  How can we help as Christians?  One is to go back to the core of our faith -- that our God is a loving God and in Him there is always hope – if not in this life, then in the next.  Most darker thoughts about suicide are born out of loneliness and a feeling of uselessness; the light that will overcome this darkness is the knowledge that you are never alone in your journey with our Lord, the eternal Shepherd.  We can pray for or pray with them that they may replace the darkness in their hearts with God’s love and companionship.

Rather than debate the morality of suicide, perhaps it is better accepting that this is going to be a problem in our ageing society and begin to take steps to help those most vulnerable.

Places to reach out for help: (1)Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (2) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 (3) Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800 (4) Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788 (5) Caregiver Alliance, 6460-4400