More youngsters in the Netherlands are committing suicide, prompting the launch of a new awareness campaign on Monday.

Statistics suggest an average of 26 young people under the age of 30 are committing suicide every month. In 2014, 212 young people ended their own lives compared to 299 10 years later, figures from statistics agency CBS show.

The number of girls and young women who kill themselves is also growing, although more men than women commit suicide.

It is difficult to point to a single cause for the rise, suicide prevention expert Renske Gilissen told broadcaster NOS. Helpline 113 has been interviewing parents and other relatives to put together a database of risk factors. Many of the youngsters left school prematurely, Gilissen said.

Women who commit suicide often do so while still receiving care because of an earlier attempt but in men suicide can often seem to come out of the blue.

The new campaign, dubbed Lessen voor het Leven (Lessons for life) tells the stories of the “school class” of youngsters who ended their lives. Each “lesson” ends with parents asking themselves how they could have helped their child.

“It’s important to be comfortable with asking that one question: “Are there moments when you think it would be better if I weren’t here?”, psychologist Maryke Geerdink said.

It is vital to listen she said. “People are inclined to say ‘You mustn’t think like that’. But let them tell their story. And then ask what they need,” she said.

Suicide prevention is a matter for society as a whole,” Geerdink said. Risk factors include debt, job loss or leaving school prematurely. “We can only combat this if action is taken across the board.”

 Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts can call or chat anonymously by calling the helpline 113, or 0800-0113 or online at 113.nl.