Singapore • Help & support
Bereavement support in Singapore: the first days, crisis moments, insomnia nights, wake pressure, money stress, executor overload, youth support — practical steps and where to get help
Last reviewed: 23 February 2026
Warm — but clinically solid
Red flags — choose urgent or clinical help sooner
- Suicidal urges feel strong, or you have a plan / access to means
- No sleep for 3+ nights and panic/confusion is escalating
- You feel detached from reality and unsafe (severe dissociation)
- Alcohol is increasing or you can’t sleep without drinking
- After trauma/violence/sudden death: flashbacks or images won’t stop
If immediate danger, go to Urgent. If a helpline is busy, use Switching (1771 ↔ 1767) and don’t wait alone.
10 seconds is enough
Pick your situation (reduce overload)
I need safety now
suicidal urges, violence risk, panic out of control
Go →
Nights are dangerous / insomnia
10-minute ‘tonight plan’
Go →
Wake / funeral logistics are crushing me
void deck / parlour survival steps
Go →
Executor / next-of-kin overload
grief + admin at the same time
Go →
Money stress after the death
ComCare, CPF, community supports
Go →
Youth / student struggling
CHAT + TOUCHline + crisis routing
Go →
On this page
- Urgent: safety first
- First days: minimum survival plan
- Insomnia/panic nights: 10-minute plan
- During the wake (void deck / funeral parlour)
- If you’re executor / next-of-kin
- Financial pressure after bereavement
- Youth & students
- If you’re supporting someone
- A grief map (not rules)
- Contacts: emergency + crisis + specialised
- FAQ
If you also need the practical admin steps, see What to do after a death.
Urgent: when you need safety now (Singapore)
If you feel unsafe, choose safety — life first
If you cannot keep yourself (or someone else) safe, if there is violence risk, or panic is turning into dangerous physical symptoms, move to emergency channels immediately.
- Ambulance/fire: 995
- Police: 999
- If you cannot speak safely: SMS 70999 (Police) / SMS 70995 (SCDF)
Read-this sentence: “Someone close to me has died. I’m not safe right now. I need urgent help. Please send assistance.”
If you’re unsure whether it “counts”, that hesitation can be a warning sign. Choose the safer option.
Emergency numbers
Emergency ambulance / fire (SCDF) — 995
If life is at risk right now: severe chest pain, breathing trouble, collapse, heavy bleeding, overdose, serious injury, dangerous confusion, or you cannot keep someone safe.
Call: 995
Police emergency — 999
If there is immediate danger, violence, threats, stalking, or you need urgent protection.
Call: 999
Emergency SMS (Police) — 70999
If it’s not safe to call 999, or you cannot speak. Text emergency details and location as clearly as you can.
Call: 70999
Sender ID changed to 70999 (standardised Home Team sender IDs). Use only for emergencies.
Emergency SMS (SCDF) — 70995
Emergency SMS linked to 995 services (commonly for callers who are hard-of-hearing or have speech impairments). Use only for emergencies.
Call: 70995
First days: a minimum survival plan
Early grief can crash your body first. The goal is not “grieving well.” The goal is building a minimum safety floor to get through the next 24–72 hours.
72-hour rule: reduce demands (this is the correct move)
- Water + one bite (soup, bread, banana). Tiny counts.
- Lie down (even if sleep doesn’t come, rest lowers arousal).
- Pick 1 coordinator for messages/logistics so you’re not flooded.
- Only 3 tasks per day. Everything else can wait.
- Delay major decisions (quit jobs, big relocations, relationship ruptures).
If ‘I’m fine’ is isolating you
Being polite can hide risk. A small request is enough.
Example: “I can’t be alone tonight. Can you stay 10 minutes?”
One-minute note when your brain won’t work
- Right now I feel: numb / panicky / sleepless / crying / empty (pick one)
- My minimum today: water + one bite + lie down
- One person to contact: ______
- If risk rises: 1771 / 1767 (switch if busy). If immediate danger: 995 / 999.
Insomnia / panic nights: the 10-minute “tonight plan”
Nights amplify grief. Don’t argue with your feelings—lower your nervous system activation. If immediate danger: Urgent.
10-minute plan (in order)
- Breathing: inhale 4, exhale 6 (10 rounds)
- Cold: wash face/hands with cool water or hold something cold 30–60 seconds
- Ground: press your feet into the floor 10 times — “I’m here.”
- Sentence: “This is a wave. It will come down.”
- Don’t be alone: text one person: “Can you stay with me 10 minutes?”
If starting feels impossible
If a line is busy: switch immediately (this is the skill)
Switch 1771 ↔ 1767. The goal is connection. If risk escalates, move to 995 / 999.
Need help in your language?
If language is a barrier, say: “I need an interpreter for [language].” They may try to support or route you.
If you cannot communicate and it’s an emergency, use 995/999 or Emergency SMS 70995/70999.
During the wake (void deck / funeral parlour)
Wake survival: keep dignity — without collapsing
- Designate one “wake coordinator” for logistics and guest flow.
- Take 10-minute breaks in a quiet spot (stairwell, outside, bathroom). Schedule them.
- Keep water within reach. Dehydration worsens panic and headaches.
- If guests say “you must be strong”: you can nod and step away. You don’t owe performance.
- Protect one small anchor: one meal, one shower, one short lie-down per day.
If family dynamics are tense
If there is conflict, control, or intimidation, your priority is safety—then grief. If you feel unsafe: call 999 (or NAVH 1800-777-0000 for support and reporting routes).
If you’re executor / next-of-kin: grief + admin is a double load
Name the split: you are grieving AND managing systems
People may treat you like a project manager when you are in shock. This mismatch is a major reason people deteriorate after funerals.
A simple protection plan (works even if you feel numb)
- Pick one “admin buddy” to sit with you during calls/forms (even silently).
- One admin block per day (30–60 minutes). Stop when the timer ends.
- Don’t do late-night paperwork. Nights are riskier for spirals.
- If you feel you’re sliding into danger: switch from admin to safety (10-minute plan + 1771/1767).
If you need practical routing
Financial pressure after bereavement
Financial stress is common — and help exists
Funeral costs, CPF issues, housing loans, and day-to-day expenses can feel overwhelming—especially when you are running on no sleep.
- MSF ComCare: short-to-medium term financial assistance and routing
- SSAs / FSCs: community-based support and practical help
- CPF Board: nomination and member-related guidance
Start with 1800-111-2222 and say “ComCare”.
If money stress is pushing you into danger
If thoughts turn into “I can’t do this / I want to disappear,” treat this as a crisis signal, not a financial problem. Call 1771 or 1767. If immediate danger: 995/999.
Youth & students: grief can look different
Young people often grieve in waves—crying, then gaming, then asking the same question repeatedly. The goal is consistent truth + safety + routine support.
What to say (simple, true, safe)
Example:
“I have a very sad update. ____ died. Their body stopped working and they can’t come back. We are all sad, but you will be cared for and safe. You can ask me anything.”
Avoid “went to sleep” for children—it can create sleep fear.
When to escalate fast
- Severe insomnia/nightmares + sharp drop in school function
- Self-harm, “I want to die” statements, dangerous risk-taking
- Long-lasting panic, isolation, or substance use starting
Crisis: 1771 / 1767. Immediate danger: 995 / 999. Youth support: CHAT / TOUCHline.
If you’re supporting someone: what to say (and avoid)
Helpful phrases (short, not fixing)
- “I’m here. You don’t need to explain.”
- “Do you want quiet company, or one practical thing done?”
- “What would make tonight 5% less hard?”
- “I can handle food / transport / messages / one form.”
Phrases to avoid (even if meant kindly)
- “Be strong” / “Time heals” / “Move on”
- Comparisons: “I know exactly how you feel”
- Anything that starts with “At least…”
- Pressuring fast recovery or normal performance
If you see risk: don’t leave them alone — connect together
- Increasing “I want to disappear” statements
- Insomnia + confusion + alcohol + impulsivity
- Plan / access to means
Immediate danger: 995/999. Otherwise call 1771 or 1767 with them. If busy, switch immediately.
A grief map (not rules)
Grief is not a straight line. This map is to reduce self-blame and give you orientation—not to judge you.
Shock / numbness
hours → weeks
You may feel unreal, robotic, or strangely calm—or you may cry uncontrollably. Both can be normal. It’s not a character flaw; it can be a nervous-system response.
Common
- sleep collapse
- appetite loss
- memory gaps
- panic waves
- physical tremors
Escalate sooner if
- no sleep for 3+ nights with rising panic/confusion
- you cannot stay safe alone
‘Rewind’ thinking (guilt, anger, bargaining)
weeks → months
Your brain may replay scenes to search for control: “If only I…” This is common—especially after sudden deaths.
Common
- irritability
- avoidance
- blame loops
- restlessness
- insomnia
Escalate sooner if
- guilt turns into “I should be punished / disappear”
- increasing alcohol use to sleep
After the funeral / wake: the quiet drop
weeks → months
When guests stop coming and the logistics end, many people feel worse. The adrenaline falls, and loneliness rises.
Common
- hollow heaviness
- fatigue
- tears in private
- loss of interest
- social withdrawal
Rebuilding (not forgetting)
months → years
You don’t ‘get over’ it—you learn to carry it with more space between waves. Triggers can still hit (anniversaries, festivals, birthdays).
Common
- waves become shorter
- routine returns
- small future planning reappears
Contacts (Singapore): emergency + crisis + specialised
Busy line? Switching is the correct move
Emergency
Emergency ambulance / fire (SCDF) — 995
If life is at risk right now: severe chest pain, breathing trouble, collapse, heavy bleeding, overdose, serious injury, dangerous confusion, or you cannot keep someone safe.
Call: 995
Police emergency — 999
If there is immediate danger, violence, threats, stalking, or you need urgent protection.
Call: 999
Emergency SMS (Police) — 70999
If it’s not safe to call 999, or you cannot speak. Text emergency details and location as clearly as you can.
Call: 70999
Sender ID changed to 70999 (standardised Home Team sender IDs). Use only for emergencies.
Emergency SMS (SCDF) — 70995
Emergency SMS linked to 995 services (commonly for callers who are hard-of-hearing or have speech impairments). Use only for emergencies.
Call: 70995
Crisis support (24/7)
National Mindline — 1771 (24/7)
Round-the-clock mental health support and routing to care. Use this for crisis waves, panic, severe insomnia, intrusive thoughts, or when you’re afraid of what you might do.
Call: 1771
If immediate danger: 995/999. If one line is busy, switch immediately (e.g., 1771 ↔ 1767).
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) — 1767 (24/7)
24/7 emotional support, including suicidal thoughts and acute distress. If you can’t stay safe, call now.
Call: 1767
If a line is busy: switch to 1771 or emergency services (995/999) based on risk.
Youth / students
CHAT (Community Health Assessment Team) — 6493 6500 / 6501
Mental health service for young people (commonly 16–30). If you’re a youth struggling after a death—sleep, panic, numbness, self-harm urges—CHAT can help you get clarity and next steps.
Website: imh.com.sg/CHAT
TOUCHline — 1800 377 2252
Talk to trained counsellors (youth and general mental wellness support). Useful when grief is affecting daily functioning, school stress, family conflict, or you just need a calm human voice.
Financial support (routing)
Financial stress after bereavement — start with MSF ComCare
Funeral costs, housing loan worries, sudden income loss, and daily expenses can feel crushing—especially while you’re grieving. Help exists, and you don’t have to solve it alone.
Call: 1800-111-2222
Hours: 7:00am–12:00 midnight daily
Website: familyassist.msf.gov.sg
Say “ComCare” when prompted. Ask for short-to-medium term assistance and referral to a nearby Social Service Agency / Family Service Centre if appropriate.
CPF Board (nominations / withdrawals / member queries)
If bereavement admin involves CPF nominations, member queries, or what documents are needed—CPF can guide you to the correct process.
Call: 1800-227-1188•+65-6227-1188
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30am–5:30pm (typical hours; check before calling)
Website: cpf.gov.sg
Ongoing support (entry points)
Polyclinic / GP / hospital A&E (24-hour medical assessment if needed)
If severe insomnia, panic, dehydration, chest pain, fainting, or you’re medically unwell: any 24-hour clinic or hospital A&E can assess and stabilise you.
If you’re unsure whether it’s medical: choose safety and call 995, especially for chest pain, breathing issues, collapse, overdose, or severe confusion.
Community support (SSAs, FSCs, hospital medical social workers)
For ongoing grief support, caregiver strain, or practical help. Social service agencies can support coping, family dynamics, and link you to counselling or financial aid.
If you don’t know where to start, call MSF ComCare (1800-111-2222) and ask for the nearest support point.
Special situations
National Anti-Violence & Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH) — 1800-777-0000 (24/7)
If grief is happening alongside violence, intimidation, coercion, or abuse at home: safety comes first. NAVH can help you report and access support and protection.
AWARE Helpline — 1800 777 5555
Support if you’re dealing with family violence or safety concerns, including guidance and next steps.
Support for FDWs and migrant workers (employment + wellbeing routing)
If you’re a foreign domestic worker (FDW) or migrant worker who has lost someone and you’re struggling (sleep, panic, isolation, employer issues): you deserve support and language-accessible help.
If you are in crisis right now, call 1771 or 1767 (24/7). If you’re in immediate danger, call 995/999.
Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) — 1800 2255 233 (24-hour helpline)
Support for migrant domestic workers and employers on domestic employment-related issues. Can be a stabilising entry point if your situation involves work constraints.
Call: 1800 2255 233
Website: cde.org.sg
Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) — 6536 2692 (24-hour helpline)
24-hour helpline for migrant workers needing assistance on employment-related issues (often offered in multiple languages).
Call: 6536 2692
Website: mwc.org.sg
If the death was by suicide (support for suicide loss survivors)
Suicide bereavement can carry shock, ‘why’ loops, guilt, anger, stigma, and trauma. SOS provides dedicated suicide bereavement counselling and programmes such as LOSS and support groups.
Website: sos.org.sg
If you’re in danger right now: 995/999. For immediate emotional crisis support: 1767 (SOS) or 1771 (Mindline).
Related pages: What to do after a death • Planning a funeral • Legal steps • Singapore • Help & support
This page provides information and support. It does not replace emergency or medical services. If immediate danger, call 995/999 (or use Emergency SMS 70995/70999).
FAQ
How long does grief last?
There isn’t a fixed timeline. “Getting better” often means the waves become more manageable and you get more air between them—not that you forget. Anniversaries and festivals can bring waves back. That can be normal.
What if I feel worse after the wake ends?
This is common. The adrenaline drops, visitors stop coming, and the house gets quiet. Use the 4-week minimum plan: weekly check-in, reduce obligations, protect sleep, and keep 1771/1767 visible.
If I can do only one thing right now?
Water → 10-minute tonight plan (breath/cold/ground) → don’t be alone. If risk rises: 1771/1767. If immediate danger: 995/999.
If you can’t get through to a helpline