[AI] How to Deal With Someone Behaving Erratically or Aggressively in Singapore
Encountering someone who is behaving unpredictably, extremely agitated, confused, or aggressive can be frightening. Whether it happens on the MRT, at a hawker centre, in your neighbourhood, at work, or in a public space, the most important thing is to prioritise safety rather than trying to diagnose or confront the person.
It is also better to avoid labels such as “crazy person.” Unusual or aggressive behaviour can have many causes, including emotional distress, a mental-health crisis, intoxication, medical problems, or simply a highly stressful situation. You may not know what is happening to the person.
Here are practical ways to respond safely in Singapore.
1. Keep Your Distance
Your first priority should be creating physical space.
If someone is shouting, making threatening gestures, following people, or behaving unpredictably, avoid moving closer to them. Do not crowd them, stare at them, touch them, or attempt to physically restrain them.
If possible, move toward a safer location such as:
A shop, café, security counter, or staffed building
A crowded but orderly public area
An MRT station control room or staff area
A location with other people nearby
A locked or secure room if you are at home or work
Having an exit route is important. Avoid positioning yourself somewhere you could become trapped.
2. Don't Argue or Try to "Win" the Conversation
When someone is highly agitated, arguing about whether their statements are true may make the situation worse.
Instead of saying:
“You're being ridiculous.”
or
“You're completely wrong. Calm down.”
use short, calm statements such as:
“I can see that you're upset.”
“Let's give each other some space.”
“I'm not here to argue with you.”
Keep your voice steady and avoid sudden movements.
You do not necessarily need to agree with what the person is saying. You can acknowledge their emotions without validating potentially harmful beliefs.
3. Don't Assume You Know What's Wrong
Someone behaving strangely is not automatically experiencing a mental illness.
They could be experiencing a medical emergency, severe stress, intoxication, confusion, sleep deprivation, or another condition. For that reason, avoid attempting to diagnose the person yourself.
Focus on what you can observe rather than what you think the person has.
For example, tell emergency responders:
“The person is shouting, appears confused and is threatening people.”
That is more useful than saying:
“That person is mentally ill.”
4. If the Person Is Threatening Violence, Get Away
If someone has a weapon, is threatening to hurt someone, is attempting to attack people, or appears to be losing control, do not try to be a hero.
Move away and call for emergency assistance.
In Singapore, call 999 for immediate police assistance. The Singapore Police Force also provides 70999 Emergency SMS for situations where it is unsafe to speak or you are unable to talk.
If someone appears to be suffering from a serious medical emergency, 995 is the Singapore Civil Defence Force emergency ambulance number.
When calling, give responders practical information:
Your exact location
What the person is doing
Whether anyone has been injured
Whether a weapon is involved
Whether the person is threatening anyone
Where the person is currently located
Your description of the person, if necessary
5. If You're in a Public Place, Get Staff Involved
You do not necessarily have to deal with the situation yourself.
For example, on public transport, alert staff rather than confronting the person. In a shopping centre, tell security. At a restaurant, speak to the manager or staff.
This is particularly useful because trained personnel can coordinate with emergency services while you move somewhere safer.
6. If the Person Is Someone You Know
The approach can be different if the person is a friend, family member, neighbour, or colleague and there is no immediate danger.
Try to speak with them privately when they are relatively calm.
You could say:
“I've noticed that you've been having a difficult time lately. Is there anything I can do to help?”
Listen without immediately judging or lecturing them.
If they are willing to seek support, Singapore's national mindline 1771 provides mental-health support. HealthHub states that it is available 24 hours, with support also available through WhatsApp at 6669-1771 and online chat.
Importantly, the Institute of Mental Health discontinued its former Mental Health Helpline number after the launch of national mindline 1771 in June 2025.
7. Don't Put Yourself at Risk Trying to Help
Being compassionate does not mean putting yourself in danger.
You should not:
Physically restrain an aggressive stranger
Grab someone's belongings or weapon
Block their path
Chase them if they walk away
Threaten them
Encourage a group of people to surround them
Film them unnecessarily
Humiliate them or post their behaviour online
If you believe someone needs professional intervention, getting the appropriate authorities involved is usually safer than trying to handle the situation personally.
8. Know When It's an Emergency
A situation deserves urgent intervention when there is an immediate risk of serious harm.
Examples include:
Threats to kill or seriously injure someone
Attempts to attack another person
A weapon being displayed or used
Serious self-harm or attempted suicide
A person who appears severely confused and unable to keep themselves safe
Someone who has collapsed or appears to be experiencing a medical emergency
In these situations, move to safety first and contact the appropriate emergency service.
A Simple Rule to Remember
When faced with someone behaving unpredictably, remember:
Distance → De-escalate → Get Help
Distance: Give yourself space and keep an exit available.
De-escalate: Stay calm, avoid arguing, and don't make sudden movements.
Get help: Contact security, emergency services, or appropriate mental-health support depending on the circumstances.
You don't need to determine whether someone is “crazy,” mentally ill, intoxicated, or simply having a terrible day. Your job as a bystander is much simpler: stay safe, avoid escalating the situation, and get the right help when necessary.
Singapore Emergency Contacts
Police emergency: 999
Police Emergency SMS: 70999 when it is unsafe to call or speak
SCDF emergency ambulance/fire: 995
National mindline: 1771 for mental-health support
These emergency numbers are published by Singapore government agencies and the Singapore Police Force.
This article provides general safety information and is not a substitute for professional medical, mental-health, or emergency advice.
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