Number of suicide attempts on the rise

RESCUE: Singapore Civil Defence Force officers attempting to rescue a woman who was found seated on a ledge at a block of flats. PICTURE: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS

Even as more are seeking professional help, the number of people arrested for attempting suicide has risen to a five-year high.

Last year, 992 people were arrested for attempting suicide. In 2007, it was 706 people.

The Samaritans of Singapore 24-hour hotline handled 44,053 calls last year.

While not all were from suicidal people, counsellors The New Paper spoke to raised concern over the figures and stressed that help is available for those who are suicidal.