http://www.yourhealth.com.sg/content/she-tries-commit-suicide-6-times-1-month
That's what one father is saying after his daughter allegedly tried to kill herself several more times this month.
And this after she had been sentenced to a year's probation for attempting suicide 10 times over a nine-month period.
But after her latest efforts to end her life, he wants his daughter jailed as he feels that it is the only way to keep her alive.
Mandy was sentenced in a district court after being convicted of 10 charges of attempted suicide between last August and May this year.
The condition of her sentence is that she continues to seek treatment at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and comply with the psychiatrist's instructions.
The court heard that Mandy suffers from mental retardation and personality disorder.
Then, James had told TNP that he was in a dilemma as to how to deal with his daughter - bring her home and risk having her try to kill herself again, or have her jailed where she would be monitored.
Mandy has an elder brother studying in a local university. Her mother works as a dish collector in a foodcourt.
On Thursday night, a frantic-sounding and exasperated James told TNP that Mandy was allegedly at it again.
The lorry driver said she had allegedly tried to kill herself another six times this month, forcing him to call the cops on her.
He said: "I feel so helpless. The doctors (at IMH) said she is not mad, so she cannot stay in the hospital.
A police spokesman confirmed that Mandy was arrested on Thursday night.
Mandy has been warded at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and is currently in police custody.
He said it was the sixth time that Mandy had tried to kill herself after her sentence on Aug 30.
Her first attempt was just three days after she returned home, James recalled.
Breaking down several times during the interview, James said: "I am at my wits' end. I am so scared to fetch her home. I come home from work everyday worrying that I would find her body at the foot of my block or at home.
"Her medical bills are piling up and I need to work to support my family. My son is still studying in university and my wife doesn't earn very much as a dish collector in a food court.
"There is nobody who can look after her at home."
James said IMH doctors told him she suffers from a personality problem, but he doesn't know how he can help her with that.
He added: "I wish somebody can help me. I don't know how long I can do this."
James said he doesn't know why Mandy can't be warded at IMH when it is clear to him that she is unwell.
He added: "If she is normal, why did she hurt herself so many times? A normal person would not hurt herself for no reason. A normal person would be afraid to be arrested or stay in a mental hospital.
"Please take her. Only when she is in jail, she can't kill herself. I am willing to do anything for my daughter to keep her alive."
An IMH spokesman said most of their patients with mental illness are motivated to get well so they can integrate into the community again.
The spokesman said: "There is a very small percentage of extreme cases where these patients present repetitive behavioural problems, causing problems to their families, communities and other hospitals with their repeated threats to harm self and others."
All patients discharged from IMH would be followed up by a ward team and supported by a case manager for up to three months.
Case managers would call to check if the patients are adjusting well at home and remind them to go for appointments at the specialist outpatient clinic.
Mandy's father, James, said no one from IMH had called to check on his daughter after she was discharged.
"Maybe because she does not stay home long enough for them to call. She would be back at the police station or hospital soon after she was discharged," he said.
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) deputy director Tan-Lee Yoke Yin said research has shown that people who attempt suicide are at higher risk of doing it again.
She added: "Professional psychological help or psychiatric treatment is important for people who carry out suicide attempts many times.
"People around the suicide attempter can be accepting, understanding, patient and gentle. Keeping the lines of communication open is vital."
"Ask for help from family, supportive friends, and community resources." She added that caregivers can approach family service centres, mental health agencies or contact SOS for emotional support if they are affected by the suicide attempts of their loved ones.
| HELPLINES | |
| Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): | 1800-2214444 |
| Singapore Association for Mental Health: | 1800-2837019 |
| Sage Counselling Centre: | 1800-5555555 |
| Care Corner Mandarin Counselling: | 1800-353580 |
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