Man battling depression survives jump from 6th storey

After attempting suicide and spending three months in the hospital, Mr Vincent Chew is learning how to walk again.

Having suffered from depression since November last year, the 52-year-old said he jumped from his kitchen window on the 6th storey on Dec 13. 

He fractured his legs but suffered no major injuries.

Mr Chew shared his ordeal in a Facebook post on March 18, where he also shared photos of him recuperating in a high dependancy ward. 

In one of his captions, he writes that he's "recovering well" and going to learn "how to walk again" after undergoing pelvic and foot operations.

Speaking to TNP, Mr Chew said that during his bout of depression, he experienced a loss of appetite and a loss of confidence, in addition to feeling isolated and overworking himself.

“I isolated myself in my room. I couldn’t take it as I didn’t seek any medical help,” said the father of two.

“The first time (I experienced depression) was during my divorce 10 years ago.”

Now, he says the key to his fast recovery has been optimism.

He is currently warded at St. Andrew’s Community Hospital for rehabilitation, and is hoping to be discharged next month. 

His recovery process includes physiotherapy for him “to work on his legs and arm muscles”, having not stood for three months.

Support system

Thanks to regular visits from his friends, who often come with food, Mr Chew has been able to regain the 10kg he lost.

His mother, 69, and sons, 19 and 17, have also been motivation for him to recover faster.

“Whenever (my mother) passes by the ground floor where I landed, she still has trauma as she saw my bones (protrude),” he added.

While warded, Mr Chew has kept himself busy documenting his recovery on TikTok, which in turn has gained him followers who urge him to stay positive.

The well-wishes from the comments section have also encouraged him to raise awareness on depression.

“You must have a positive mindset and of course, you must help yourself first.”

HELPLINES

Mental well-being

• Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
• Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours) /1-767 (24 hours)
• Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
• Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
• Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788 
• Community Health Assessment Team 6493-6500/1 

Counselling

• TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
• TOUCH Care Line (for seniors, caregivers): 6804-6555
• Care Corner Counselling Centre: 1800-353-5800

Online resources

• mindline.sg
• stayprepared.sg/mymentalhealth
• eC2.sg
• www.tinklefriend.sg
• www.chat.mentalhealth.sg