People who died by suicide showed warning signs in week before death: Study

They were more likely to post content on social media that was out of the ordinary

- Syarafana Shafeeq

Individuals who died by suicide showed warning signs such as mood changes, anger and recklessness in the week before their demise, a new study by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) has found.

They were also more likely than the general population to post content on social media before their death that was out of the ordinary, and to have a history of suicide attempts.

Based on the findings, IMH said there is a need for greater mental health literacy in Singapore so that family members, friends and communities can better recognise the warnings signs and intervene early.

The study, titled Seeking Answers: A Psychological Autopsy Of Exploring And Analysing Risk Factors, is the first in Singapore to use the psychological autopsy method.

This involves a detailed examination of the life and state of mind of the person who died based on information from those who survived the individual, such as family members, close friends and care providers. It identified key factors associated with suicides in Singapore and warning signs that families and friends can look out for. The aim is to get a good idea of an individual's circumstances, personality and health to understand what could have led to their death.

Researchers conducted interviews with people close to 73 individuals who died by suicide between 2021 and 2024. The team also selected 73 individuals from the general population as a control group to serve as a baseline for what is typical.