Open AccessThe Impact of COVID-19 on the Suicide Prevention Helpline in The Netherlands
Author(s) -
Margot C A van der Burgt,
Saskia Mérelle,
Aartjan T.F. Beekman,
Renske Gilissen
Publication year - 2023
Publication title -
crisis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.93
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 2151-2396
pISSN - 0227-5910
DOI - 10.1027/0227-5910/a000863
Subject(s) - helpline , covid-19 , pandemic , medicine , medical emergency , virology , emergency medicine , outbreak , infectious disease (medical specialty) , disease , pathology
Background: Although the number of suicides did not increase in 2020, there are concerns about the mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aims: To present the demand for the Dutch suicide prevention helpline during times of lockdown and to describe the coronavirus-related problems discussed. Methods: An observational and exploratory study analyzing the frequency of helpline requests and registration data ( n = 893 conversations). Results: Demand for the helpline did increase, but with no distinctive relation with the lockdown measures. During the first lockdown, approximately a quarter of the analyzed helpline conversations were registered as coronavirus-related by the counselors. Most frequently mentioned conversation topics were the interruption to or changes in professional help, social isolation and loss of structure, and ways to find a distraction from suicidal thoughts/rumination. Limitations: Observational study design prevents causal inferences, and demand for the helpline is impacted by multiple factors. Conclusion: These coronavirus-related problems made help-seekers vulnerable to suicidal thoughts and a reduced desire to live. That many suffered from loneliness is concerning as this contributes to the risk of suicidal ideation. The distress among help-seekers due to the sudden loss of mental health care underscores the importance of maintaining contact with those in care and lowering the threshold for help.