Suicide is leading cause of death among 15- to 45-year-olds in Belgium

According to statistics from health institute Sciensano, the number of suicides fell to 1,641 in 2021, compared to 1,736 in 2020.  These were 2 years strongly marked by the Covid pandemic. The 2021 figure still amounts to more than 4 suicides per day.

Suicides among women increased by almost 18 per cent.

According to Un pass dans l'impasse, a Walloon suicide prevention centre, more and more suicides are occurring among men and Walloons. Among men, there were 1,174 cases in 2021, compared to 467 women.

Tip of iceberg

‘These figures are just the tip of the iceberg,’ warns Thomas Thirion, general director of the not-for-profit organisation. ‘It is estimated that the number of attempted suicides is 15 to 20 times higher than the number of suicides themselves. Two thirds of these attempts involve women.’

Wallonia has the highest rate: 17.1 suicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021, compared to 13.6 in Flanders and 8.6 in Brussels. The Belgian average is 14.2.

Since 2019, suicide has been the leading cause of death among 15- to 45-year-olds ahead of cancer, road accidents and cardiovascular disease. Among 15- to 24-year-olds, 1 in 4 deaths are due to suicide.

The Walloon Suicide Prevention Centre confirms the figures: since 2020 the centre has noted a 15 per cent increase in calls from young people to the free helpline 0800/32.123.

Problems not taken seriously by their surroundings

‘The reasons someone chooses to take their own life are varied. It is not always about bullying at school,’ says a spokesperson for the Walloon Centre. ‘Mainly, young people tell us that it is difficult to talk about their problems with those around them, because they are afraid they will not be taken seriously. They are also afraid of being a ‘burden’ to family and friends.’

‘Suffering that is not expressed or heard becomes more acute and makes daily life unbearable,’ the Walloon Centre argues. It stresses that a dialogue between a relative and a young person in crisis is essential. According to the centre, just because someone talks about suicidal thoughts does not mean that will give rise to the act itself.

Psychological counsellors can also offer help. Since 2019, the number of consultations at Un pass dans l'impasse has increased by 48 per cent. A quarter of the consultations involve teenagers and young adults in a crisis about. According to the non-profit organisation, this is due to the increasing number of crises (energy, climate, war and health) over the past four years.