In a distressing incident that unfolded in the early hours of December 1, a 30-year-old woman was rescued after she was found hanging over the ledge of a Housing and Development Board (HDB) block in Tengah. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and local police responded to the emergency call at approximately 12:20 AM, leading to a dramatic rescue operation.
A video of the incident, which circulated on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, depicted several individuals attempting to pull the woman back to safety. Fortunately, the rescuers were successful in bringing her over the parapet and into the corridor of the building.
Following the rescue, the woman was apprehended under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act, indicating that authorities believed she may have been experiencing a mental health crisis. She was subsequently transported to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, where she was reported to be conscious.
The incident has raised concerns about mental health awareness and the support systems available for individuals in distress. The authorities have reiterated the importance of seeking help and have provided a list of helplines for those experiencing mental health issues. These resources include the Singapore Association for Mental Health and the Institute of Mental Health, which offer support and guidance for individuals in need.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals struggling with mental health issues and the critical need for community support and understanding. The availability of mental health resources is essential in ensuring that those in crisis can receive the help they need before situations escalate.
As the community reflects on this event, it is crucial to foster an environment where individuals feel safe to seek help and where mental health is openly discussed. The hope is that through increased awareness and support, similar incidents can be prevented in the future.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, please reach out to the following helplines:
Seek help
When a person needs mental care, it is important to be supportive and understanding. Mental health issues can be difficult to understand and can be overwhelming for both the person needing help and their friends and family.
The first and most important step is to reach out and provide a listening ear. It can be difficult for someone to open up about their mental health issues, so providing a safe and non-judgmental environment is essential. It is important to be patient, allow them to take their time, and show them that they are not alone.
If you are someone or know someone that is in need of help you can call the following numbers for assistance:
- Samaritans of Singapore (24 hrs): 1800-221-4444
- Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
- Institute of Mental Health Mobile Crisis Service (24 hrs): 6389-2222
- National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868
- Tinkle Friend Helpline (for primary school-aged children): 1800-274-4788