Man vexed over $1.4m loss calls SOS -- only for police to 'bang his door' and bring him to IMH at 2.30am
Welcome to Stomping Ground - a space where Stompers share reflections, personal essays and social commentaries that spark conversation and insight.
Warning: This article contains references to self-harm. Reader discretion is advised.
Feeling despondent, a man contacted the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) helpline – but it left him feeling worse off.
Stomper PK, who is in his 70s, reached out to SOS' 24-hour CareText at around 2am on Nov 14 for a listening ear.
He said: "I was in a situation where a bank somehow tricked me into having an overdraft for 1.4 million just because they wanted to sell another insurance policy."
The Stomper declined to share further about the case as it is "under investigation".
He recounted: "Helpless and friendless at around 2am, I desperately needed someone to talk to. I WhatsApped 91511767 just to have a listening ear.
"Right away, they tried to determine if I was going to take my own life. I told them I just needed someone to talk to and I would try not to think of suicide.
"At around 2.30am, I fell asleep and didn't take repeated calls from 91511767."
PK was shaken by what happened next: "They sent five burly policemen to come banging on my door and declared that they wanted me to go with them to the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) – by force if necessary!
"I was brought to IMH, where I was interviewed by a psychiatrist and only released after she managed to talk to my spouse. After that, I had to struggle to get home at that unearthly hour.
"Actually, I didn't have thoughts of suicide before, but after that treatment, I wished I had a rope handy.
"Is this how SOS handles situations so unprofessionally? So indiscriminately? Anyone calls and you just treat them according to procedure?
"Shame on you, SOS!"
It was PK's first time contacting the helpline, but his experience left him wondering if SOS might have unknowingly harmed people instead of saving them.
In response to a Stomp query, SOS said: "We take all feedback seriously and are committed to reviewing any concerns thoroughly and sensitively."
SOS also suggested that PK reach out to them directly so they can "obtain the necessary details for our follow-up and internal checks".
HELPLINES
Mental well-being
- National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp)
- Samaritans of Singapore: 1767 (24 hours)/ 9151-1767 (24-hour CareText via WhatsApp)
- Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
- Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
- Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
- Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)
- The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm)
Counselling
- TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
- TOUCH Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
- Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366
- We Care Community Services: 3165-8017
- Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293
- Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990
Online resources
- mindline.sg/fsmh
- eC2.sg
- tinklefriend.sg
- chat.mentalhealth.sg
- carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
- limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)
Have your say on Stomping Ground! Write to us at stomp@sph.com.sg or WhatsApp 9384 3761.
