In January 2020, Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, decriminalised suicide. This marked a pivotal moment in the nation's commitment to addressing mental health and suicide prevention with compassion and empathy.

For many years, Singapore was influenced by an historical context deeply rooted in British colonial laws that treated suicide as a criminal act. However, relentless advocacy of mental health and community groups, charitable organisations and political stakeholders brought about a transformation in legislation. This policy shift has provided new hope to individuals facing emotional distress while underscoring the importance of offering crisis support, mental health assistance, and suicide prevention resources over punitive measures.

"People experiencing a high suicide crisis are aware but are rarely deterred by the existence of the law. The criminalisation of suicide attempts may have resulted in under-reported or hidden cases of suicide attempts, which may in turn give the false impression that suicidal behaviours are less prevalent."

• Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)

Singapore's decision to decriminalise suicide represents a powerful and symbolic step towards acknowledging the need for crisis support rather than punishment. In a society where the stigma against suicide was deeply entrenched, this change conveyed a message of hope to individuals in crisis. By providing comprehensive crisis support systems and resources, Singapore is now better equipped to assist individuals with suicidal ideation on their path to recovery. Collaborative efforts across different sectors continue to address the multifaceted issue of suicide, ensuring a more empathetic and supportive environment for all. This journey towards healing underscores the importance of compassion, understanding, and collective action in the pursuit of mental well-being for every citizen of Singapore.