The helpline Tele-Onthaal has seen a surge in calls from people seeking support since the death by euthanasia of actor Aron Wade this week. Wade chose to end his life by euthanasia after years of unbearable psychological suffering.
Tele-Onthaal has registered a 12 per cent increase – an 40 extra calls a day – since news of Wade’s death was reported on Monday. He spoke openly about his mental problems and depression, which the helpline says has made it easier for others to talk about the issue.
“We get a lot of calls from people sharing their experience of unbearable mental suffering and longing for euthanasia,” a spokesperson.
Giving people the space to talk about their desire to end their life can actually create connection and understanding, Tele-Onthaal says. Volunteers at the organisation are trained to listen and talk about sensitive topics in confidence.
You can’t tolerate people around you, you push yourself into a kind of isolation
Many of those contacting Tele-Onthaal are people in their 20s and 30s who grew up seeing Wade on television. In his farewell message, he thanked his fans for their unconditional support.
Wade, from Antwerp, became known in the early 1990s for his role as Koen Maertens in the long-running VTM series De kotmadam. Towards the end of the 1990s, he played Akke Impens in the popular youth series W817 and was a presenter on children’s channel Ketnet.
In 2014, the actor spoke about his depression. “Depression is a lonely disease,” he told the Radio 1 programme Hautekiet. “I think many people who are going through or have gone through depression recognise that. What you need most is people around you. At the same time, that’s the one thing you can’t bear. You can’t tolerate people around you, you push yourself into a kind of isolation.”
He released a book in 2017 in which he wrote about his depressive feelings and fears. He died on Monday, aged 54.
Confidential support
To talk to someone in confidence about mental health, suicidal feelings and euthanasia, contact Tele-Onthaal 24/7 by calling 106 or via chat at tele-onthaal.be . Young people can contact Awel on 102, or via chat at awel.be . The Suicide Line can be reached on the free number 1813, or at suicideline1813.be. Support in English is available from Community Help Service on 02 648 40 14 or via chsbelgium.org .