452. This figure represents the number of lives lost in 2020, as reported by the Samaritans of Singapore. One life lost is often viewed as a tragedy, but many lives are often viewed as a statistic. Why does this happen? One possible explanation is scope insensitivity, where we are not often able to comprehend and appreciate the impact of larger numbers fully. While 452 is a small number in relation to our population numbers, let us never forget that each number represented a human life. So I'm asking you to take a moment to slow down and think through just exactly how many lives we lost last year. Each number from 1 to 452 represents a unique individual with dreams never to come true, aspirations for the future which won't be fulfilled, memories that will never be, and possibilities unexplored. I am thus heartened to see Dr. Wan Rizal take the lead in pushing for a unified government approach towards tackling this issue. His latest campaign brings together 18 members of parliament who have committed themselves to have these important mental health and suicide prevention conversations with members of their community. In doing so, perhaps we can then start to understand some possible gaps we may have overlooked and address them. We owe it to future generations to nurture a compassionate, empathetic, connected, united, caring, and welcoming society. #452toomany #mentalhealth #psychology #psychologist #psychiatry #psyhchiatrist #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthcare #suicide #suicideprevention #singapore