Tele-Onthaal, the telephone helpline and chat service for people that wish to discuss issues that are adversely affecting their emotional well-being, says that it is receiving an increasing number of calls during the summer months.
Helpline receiving growing number of calls from people with emotional and mental health issues during the summer months
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This year Tele-Onthaal recieved 4% more calls during July than it did during July 2024. In particular, the number of men and young people that are contacting Tele-Onthaal is on the increase.
Tele-Onthaal’s Leen Devlieghere told VRT News that there is often a strong undertone of loneliness among those that contact the helpline. During July Tele-Onthaal received more than 10,500 calls. This is an average of 324 per day and an increase of 4% on July 2024 and 5% on July 2023.
"Worries don't take a holiday. In fact, they often weigh even more heavily during the summer break. Many sources of support such as school, work or hobbies aren’t there and the safety net disappears too with family members and friends on holiday. There is a strong undertone of loneliness in the conversations that we have” Leen Devlieghere said.
Relationship issues are often a reason for people to contact Tele-Onthaal.
"People spend a lot of time together in close proximity and this can be a source of tension.”
More teenagers with serious issues
This summer there has been a noticeable increase in the number of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 contacting the helpline. In July more than 36% of people that contacted Tele-Onthaal were between the ages of 12 and 17. This is up 6 percentage points on July last year. Leen Devlieghere says that issues regarding their relationship with their parents, falling in love or disputes with friends are the main topics discussed by teenagers contacting the helpline.
“However, what is striking this year is that we are seeing an increase in the number of calls regarding serious mental health issues, suicide and self-harm. Young girls in particular are contacting us to talk about these topics.”
Meanwhile, more men are contacting Tele-Onthaal. Compared with July 2024 the number of men contacting Tele-Onthaal was up almost 15%.
Tele-Onthaal is can be contacted 24/7 by calling 106. UIts chat service is available every evening and on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons via www.tele-onthaal.be