Coroner court records of 1,721 Singaporean suicides occuring between 2000-2004 were reviewed; 398 individuals left suicide letters. Letter writers tended to be younger, single, & less likely to have mental or physical illness. A reason for suicide was evident in 58% of the letters. Major reasons included school & relationship problems in the young, financial & marital problems in adults, & physical illness in the elderly. This study suggests there are combinations of social, psychological, & physical factors that influence suicidal behaviours. All of these are important in the prevention, assessment, & management of suicide. (21 refs.)