The website 'Help! My child is thinking about suicide' continues to attract visitors even after the end of the Coronavirus pandemic, according to figures from Flemish Europarliamentarian Katrien Schryvers.
The website, launched in May 2018, is mainly aimed at parents whose children are thinking about suicide. On the site, people can find information on recognising signs of suicidal thoughts in others. The site further includes how to talk about such thoughts in the family, offers exercises in parenting support, and testimonies from parents in similar situations. Counsellors can also use the website to support parents.
The annual number of visitors during the Coronavirus years was 6,601 and 6,572, respectively. "But even after a clear increase in the number of visitors during the Corona period, the number of visitors did not decline," Schryvers notes.
In the 2022-2023 operating year, the number stood at 6,728.
"The fact that visitor numbers remain so high even after the Corona crisis is thought-provoking," Schrijver says. "Many people continue to struggle with mental problems. So it's really very important to remain committed to this low-threshold form of support and to publicise it."
Those in need of a listening ear or with any questions about suicide can contact the Suicide Line anonymously on the toll-free number 1813 or at www.zelfmoord1813.be in Dutch, at 0800 32 123 in French, or at 02 648 40 14 in English.
