Télé-accueil's continuous telephone helpline service recorded 130,000 calls between 1 June 2023 and 1 June 2024, and 26% of these were related in some way to mental health, the Belgian non-profit organisation says.
Among the callers in psychological distress, 34% mentioned mental disorders, 28% suffered from anxiety, 18% spoke of depression, and 16% experienced general malaise, Télé-accueil stated in a report on Tuesday, ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October.
Calls with mental health as the main theme represented nearly 15% of all communications, making it the third most common topic after interpersonal relationships (25%) and social connections (over 15%).
Télé-accueil highlighted these figures as reflecting a “concerning reality for mental health in Belgium.” The association warned of a significant increase in anxiety and depressive disorders among the population.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the average occurrence of these disorders was about 10%, but they surged to 20% and 18% respectively during last autumn. The organisation also noted the high suicide mortality rate in Belgium, based on statistics from the Sciensano public health institute.
The Federation of Télé-accueil Centres consists of six centres in French-speaking Belgium. Staffed by trained volunteers, the service is available 24/7 via the number 107 and by chat. The non-judgemental and compassionate listening provided can help defuse crisis situations and sometimes serves as a first step towards therapeutic care, the non-profit notes.
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can contact the Suicide Prevention Centre’s helpline at 0800 32 123. It is anonymous, free and available 24/7. More information can be found at www.preventionsuicide.be.
