As one who had attempted suicide, it seems inconceivable that I would now be a Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) volunteer giving out black plasters as “conversation starters” for its World Suicide Prevention Week campaign.
Having nearly died, been saved and now healed, I want to get the message across that trials are temporary but life is worth living.
Like the student, Z, in the report “Aware says suicide laws ‘worsen distress’; calls for changes” (Sept 9), I suffered from depression. I attempted suicide because of unresolved grief at losing my mother.
Life’s major transitions left me feeling helpless and alone after her death. I found no purpose in living, so I overdosed. Only when I saw the pain I had inflicted on my family did I realise this life is not my own.
Police officers approached me after my suicide attempt. They were gentle and encouraged me to seek counselling. I worked towards mental wellness with my psychiatrist. Knowing that attempting suicide is a crime has had its deterrent effect on me.
Throughout the incident, I was treated with compassion.
Deterrence and punishment are not the only purposes of a law; the criminalisation of suicide sends a message to the society that suicide not only costs a life and traumatises loved ones but also impedes the progress of a nation.
I applaud the SOS’ efforts and faithful service all these years in preventing suicide. This is not one agency’s responsibility but requires the collective effort of each of us.
Trials bring out the courage in me to overcome life’s obstacles. My personal responsibility is to look after my physiological and psychological health first. Only when I function well can I serve the community, seeking to be a responsible citizen.
As a young nation, we cannot lose that resilient spirit the Prime Minister demonstrated at this year’s National Day Rally. I endeavour to do my part in looking out for those in distress, knowing that they, too, can lead a purposeful life when they see the light at the end of the tunnel.
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