The number of suicides in Flanders is falling and is at its lowest level in almost 25 years, according to new figures from the Welfare ministry. While the overall decrease is encouraging and reflects many years of suicide prevention work, there has been an increase among young women and older men.
Suicide rate falls to lowest level in 25 years, but increases noted in young women and older men
Sally Tipper
Published:
In 2023 – the most recent figures – 887 people died by suicide in the region, which equates to 2.4 people a day. This is a decrease of more than 10% compared to 2020, and more than 34% since 2020.
“It gives us hope that we saw suicide rates fall again in 2023,” said Professor Gwendolyn Portzky, director of the Flemish Expertise Centre for Suicide Prevention. “Last year, we feared for a moment that the downward trend had been broken with an increase in the figures for 2022.”
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can find support at www.suicide1813.be or by calling 1813. For support in English, contact the Community Help Service on 02 648 40 14.
The decline suggests that the Flemish Action Plan for Suicide Prevention is having an impact. “We believe that the extensive work carried out since mid-2000 has had an effect,” says Portzky.
“Suicidal thoughts have become less taboo and are taken more seriously. The care services are also working in a much more targeted way. Suicidal thoughts are no longer seen as merely a symptom of depression.”
Among girls and young women aged 15 to 29, however, the number of suicides rose by 25% compared to 2020. “We are seeing this in neighbouring countries and in the US as well,” says Portzky. “There are several hypotheses. It could be a long-term effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has caused social isolation among young women.”
There is never one explanation, but rather a combination of different social developments
The future also appears very bleak to many young people, she says. “Think of issues such as housing, climate change and war. In addition, technological developments are exposing some groups to suicidal behaviour, which makes it seem very common. There is never one explanation, but rather a combination of different social developments.”
The number of deaths by suicide among men aged 60 to 74 is also rising, with an increase of 10% compared to 2020. This seems to be a problem specific to Flanders, as the increase is not seen in other countries.
Portzky: “Here too, there is no single explanation, but rather a number of hypotheses. This group is approaching the end of their career and it is not always easy to find a new meaningful role. We certainly need to follow this up.”
Just because the overall figures are moving in a positive direction does not mean we can sit back and relax. Every suicide is one too many
In addition, men are overrepresented in the overall figures, accounting for 74% of all suicides. This is a well-known problem, says Portzky. “There are risk factors that can be linked to the male gender role, such as the idea that men must be strong and responsible. They are also expected to provide financially for their families. We see that this weighs heavily on people, especially in difficult economic times.”
The overall figures show that Flanders is on the right track, says Welfare minister Caroline Gennez of Vooruit. “But they also show that we must remain vigilant. Just because the overall figures are moving in a positive direction does not mean we can sit back and relax. On the contrary. Every suicide is one too many.”