Suicides in Flanders at lowest level in 25 years
The suicide rate in Flanders is at its lowest in 25 years, the Flemish Expertise Centre for Suicide Prevention (VLESP) reports. In 2023, 887 people died by suicide, of whom 652 were men and 235 were women, amounting to an average of 2.4 deaths a day.
The decline means the Flemish government has reached its goal of reducing suicides by 10 per cent compared to 2020. The actual drop was 10.6 per cent. The most notable improvement was among men over the age of 75, though positive trends were also seen across several other age groups.
However, among girls and young women aged 15 to 29, suicide rates rose in 2021 and have remained high since. This trend has also been observed in several other countries. Experts say there is no single explanation and more research is needed to understand what’s behind it.
However, the VLESP report points to “social trends and changes that have played a role in recent years”. These include possible effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, social media and other recent crises.
"These figures show that we are on the right track, but we must also remain vigilant. Every suicide is one too many"
The report also highlights a rise in death by suicide among men aged 60 to 74, with numbers up about a tenth compared to 2020.
“These figures show that we are on the right track, but we must also remain vigilant,” said Flemish Welfare minister Caroline Gennez, of Vooruit. “Every suicide is one too many. I am very concerned about the increase in the number of suicides among girls and young women. But the increase among men between the ages of 60 and 74 must also be monitored further.”
The government’s focus is on accessible mental healthcare and on prevention, she said, and supporting and strengthening mental well-being, especially among young people and the elderly.
If you have questions about suicide or are experiencing a crisis, contact the free Belgian suicide hotline on 1813 or www.zelfmoord1813.be (Dutch), or the CHS helpline on 02 648 40 14 or www.chsbelgium.org (English). People seeking help outside Belgium can visit www.findahelpline.com. |
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO IMAGEBROKER
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