Little change in suicide rate last year, but more men ended their lives

Credit: Niels van der Pas
Credit: Niels van der Pas

The number of suicides in the Netherlands remained relatively stable in 2021 at 1,859, according to new figures from national statistics agency CBS.

The proportion of people ending their lives has also remained unchanged since 2019, despite the impact of coronavirus on people’s mental wellbeing, the CBS figures show.

However, 5% more men ended their lives, while the number of suicides by women fell by the same proportion, the CBS said. Men are twice as likely to kill themselves than women.

People in their 50s account for 25% of all suicides, and there was a 10% increase in the number of men in their 50s ending their lives, the CBS said.

However, the biggest increase was among young men in their 20s – up from 124 in 2020 to 167 last year. Earlier reports had suggested that the coronavirus restrictions in the first three months of last year had coincided with a ‘significant rise’ in suicides by the under 30s.

Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts can talk or chat anonymously with the helpline 113.nl or call the free number 0800-0113

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