Suicide attempts by young people fell in 2023 compared to 2019, the most recent year for which data was available, although striking regional disparities remained.
Data requested from Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) by MP Kathleen Depoorter (Nieuw-Vlamse Alliantie, N-VA) revealed that some 550 minors ended up in emergency departments after suicide attempts in 2023.
This marked a decline from 590 reported cases five years earlier.
Two-thirds of the minors were aged between 15 and 17.
While overall numbers went down, some provinces saw slight increases. Namur, East Flanders, and Walloon Brabant were among those reporting upticks.
The starkest contrast came from Hainaut, which recorded 168 cases — over three times the national average of around 50.
Vandenbroucke stated in his parliamentary response that early detection and intervention for mental health issues remained a key focus. “Addressing psychological problems at the earliest stage prevents escalation and crisis situations,” he said, adding that he aims to expand outpatient care, mobile services, and home-based treatment whenever feasible.
N-VA parliamentarian Depoorter emphasised that the coalition agreement prioritises lowering access barriers to mental health support for children and teenagers.
“It’s crucial to make help as accessible as possible,” she said. “By offering services closer to home, we lower these barriers while strengthening the support network around the child.
"Expanding and enhancing outpatient crisis teams can make a significant difference — not only for young people themselves, but also for their families.”
For anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts, support is available through the Suicide Hotline at 1813 or online at [www.zelfmoord1813.be](http://www.zelfmoord1813.be).
