Unraveling a Father’s Silent Struggle
*Ms. Jacqueline Pak, now 42 and leading corporate affairs at a boutique consulting firm, shares a heart‑heavy story about her late father and the role this narrative plays in a pioneering suicide‑research project at Singapore’s Institute of Mental Health (IMH).
The Quiet Before the Storm
*- Four years before his death, her dad lost his job at a local shipyard.
- He spent most of his days at home, retreating into silence.
- In the last year, he’d often sit alone in the dark, staring into nothing at all.
- Jacqueline recalls that the family thought he was simply “in a bad phase.”
- Her perspective shifted when she noticed subtle, gradual changes in his behaviour—a slow slide into darkness that everyone missed.
From Personal Pain to Purpose
*- After her father’s death, Jacqueline endured a decade of unresolved grief.
- At 17, she blamed herself, feeling a weight she could’t bear.
- She eventually broke into depression and PTSD—conditions hidden behind a façade of “good grades” and a stable job.
- Her breakthrough came after a single psychiatrist’s words: “It’s normal to feel this way. You’re not to be blamed.” This was the lifeline that pulled her back from the brink.
- Through consistent therapy, she found peace, regaining the courage to keep living.
- Now, she channeled her healing into the IMH study, hoping to stop future suicides and dismantle the stigma that shadows mental health.
SLURP! The IMH Psychological Autopsy Study
*- IMH launched its first psychological autopsy—an in‑depth look at the mental state of those who have passed on.
- Jacqueline and 24 other survivors were recruited to reveal what their loved ones were thinking in the moments before taking their own lives.
- Associate Professor Mythily Subramaniam believes that spotting recurring patterns (like financial stress or chronic illness) could pave the way for preventative strategies.
- Despite the heavy emotional toll on researchers, the project continues—an unpublished study still in progress, now extended for another year.
- “The interviews linger long after they’re finished,” Prof. Subramaniam mused. “You can’t fully detach yourself from the stories.”
How to Join the Quest for Prevention
*- Interested parties can email [email protected].
- Every voice counts—whether you’re a survivor, a sibling, or simply a listener eager to help.
- Through community, research, and open dialogue, IMH seeks to shift the narrative around suicide from isolation to collective action.
Conclusion
*Jacqueline’s journey—from a silent, unheard father to a survivor who turns personal grief into a torch for future prevention—illustrates the power of storytelling, resilience, and the ongoing push to break the shadow of stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.
Thank you for lending your ears and heart.
HELPLINES
Call For Care – Your Hotline Is Just a Dial Away!
When you need help, you don’t have to beat around the bush. Just pick up the line and you’ve got a lifeline ready to listen and deliver care.
National Care Hotline
- Number: 1800‑202‑6868
- Hours: 8 am – 8 pm (every day)
That’s it—no long‑form paperwork, no confusing jargon. Whoever you are or whatever you’re facing, this line is here to help you get through the day, one friendly call at a time.
Mental well-being
Need a Lifeline? Don’t Walk Alone!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Singapore’s mental‑health helplines are ready to lend an ear around the clock. Here’s a quick guide to the main hotlines you can call (or chat) whenever you need someone to talk to.
24‑Hour Mental‑Health Hotlines
- Institute of Mental Health Helpline: 6389‑2222 (open 24/7)
- Samaritans of Singapore: 1800‑221‑4444 or 1‑767 (24/7)
- Community Health Assessment Team: 6493‑6500/1 (chat via www.chat.mentalhealth.sg)
Specialised Support Services
- Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800‑283‑7019
- Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386‑1928
- Tinkle Friend: 1800‑274‑4788 (or visit www.tinklefriend.sg)
How to Reach Out
Call any of these numbers, or drop a message on the associated websites. The lines are staffed by compassionate professionals who are ready to listen, no judgment, no cost. Make that first call—sometimes the hardest part is just picking up the phone. You’ve got this.
Counselling
Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Reach out!
If you or someone you care about needs a listening ear, these hotlines are ready to help you out.
- TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800‑377‑2252
- TOUCH Care Line (for seniors & caregivers): 6804‑6555
- Care Corner Counselling Centre: 1800‑353‑5800
Give them a call—no judgment, just support. And hey, a word of encouragement goes a long way.
Online resources
MindLine SG – Your Mental Health Buddy
Want a friendly guide to keeping your mental mojo strong? You’ve found it! MindLine SG brings you top‑tier resources, quick tips, and lively chats—all tailored to help you stay mentally fit.
Featured Services
- Fei Yue’s Online Counselling Service – Real talk with a seasoned therapist, all from your cozy sofa. No burn‑out, just genuine support.
- Tinkle Friend – An upbeat chatbot that pops up with a joke or a gentle reminder to keep your mood balanced.
- Community Health Assessment Team – Your neighborhood sentinels who check in on everyone, spotting early signs of distress.
Why We Care
According to the Institute of Mental Health, your well‑being affects more than just you — families, workplaces, and society at large. Focusing on suicide prevention is a public health priority, and our team is here to help.
Action Steps
- When you feel off, reach out right away. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Online counselling is as legit as face‑to‑face sessions but way more convenient.
- The Community Health Assessment Team can spot trouble before it escalates.
Keep that headspace humming, and remember: getting support is just part of staying mentally strong.
Note: This article first appeared in The Straits Times. Permission is required for reproduction.
Tags: mental health · suicides · Institute of Mental Health · behaviour psychology · counsellors · psychologists · surveys
