Suicide Prevention Month: Small Actions, Big Impact

Content warning: This blog will discuss sensitive topics, including suicide and mental health struggles. If this topic is too distressing for you, please consider not reading further. If you need someone to talk to, you can always call 113, the national hotline for confidential help via phone or online. This blog will also include other available resources, tips for yourself, or how to help others who may be struggling.

Breaking the Silence

September marks Suicide Prevention Month, an important moment for us to truly understand that the biggest struggles people face aren’t always visible. When someone we know has a sprained leg or the flu, we will check in on them more frequently than we normally would. However, when someone struggles mentally on a day-to-day basis just to ‘survive’ it often goes unnoticed.

According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS, Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek), 1,862 people in the Netherlands took their own lives in 2023. On average, that is more than five suicides per day. It is our hope that by spreading awareness and necessary mental health resources, we can provide support, get the right help to the people who need it, and eventually reduce the statistics.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 out of every 4 people globally will be impacted by mental illness at some point in their lives. For many mental illnesses, there are resources, such as therapy and support groups. However, many do not seek help due to fear, lack of knowledge about available resources, struggling to confront their feelings, or fear of judgment, and preexisting stigma within their communities.

This is especially true in the international community. We hear of many people silently suffering without knowing what resources are available to them. Finding your way around mental healthcare in a foreign country can be extremely difficult, and even more so when you deal with the stigma from family, or feel like you are alone in the Netherlands. It is time we break the silence, and we can do this together as a community.

Mental Health Resources

There are several organizations in the Netherlands dedicated to offering mental health support and suicide prevention services.

For immediate support: 

113 Suicide Prevention Hotline: The Netherlands’ national suicide prevention hotline, available 24/7 for confidential help via phone or online chat.

For further support:

Clinics: Many clinics and organizations in the Netherlands offer outpatient and inpatient services for those facing mental health challenges. In order to see a psychiatrist (psychiater) or psychologist (psycholoog), you will need a referral from your family doctor or general practitioner (huisarts). There are different kinds of psychological help offered such as counseling, coaching, and several other forms of therapy. Your doctor will help you to determine what specialist is best to see and how long the waiting lists are. Once a specialist is selected, the doctor will write a referral for you. In some cases, your doctor may be able to refer you to their own in-house specialist. This can make the waiting times shorter.

MIND Korrelatie: Provides anonymous psychological support via phone or chat for those experiencing emotional distress.

Alles Oké?: Provides a listening ear to anyone aged 18 to 25 years old between 14:00 and 22:00. Whatever you may be struggling with or want to talk about, you can discuss confidentially.

Kindertelefoon (Children’s Helpline): Are you under 18 and want to discuss something you don’t feel comfortable discussing with your parents or teachers? Call the Kindertelefoon for free or start a chat with them; you can talk about anything you want.

All Ears (Groningen): Provides support to students that need a listening ear. Based in Groningen, they offer walk-in consultation hours every Wednesday from 14:00 – 16:00. You do not need to schedule an appointment beforehand.

Jimmys 050 (Groningen and Leeuwarden): Provides a safe space for anyone aged 12 to 27 years old. You can do all kinds of activities, such as workshops, courses, events and more. Jimmy’s caters to all young people, regardless of their background or interests.

More information on available services in the Netherlands can be found here.

How can you help?

One small act, conversation, or gesture has the power to profoundly change how someone feels. If you know someone who is struggling, reach out and let them know that you see them and are there for them.

Simply listening without judgment can be a crucial first step. If they’re open to it, you can guide them towards available resources. If they’re not ready to take that step yet, respect their space but continue to offer support by checking in and letting them know you’re there for them. Sometimes, just knowing they aren’t alone can be the first step towards healing.

If you know someone is in immediate danger or plans to harm themselves, please call 112.

Suicide Prevention Month reminds us that mental health is everyone’s responsibility, and even small actions—like checking in on a friend, sharing resources, or learning about suicide prevention—can help people overcome their struggles and save lives.

While seeking help can feel overwhelming or scary, it’s an important step toward healing and personal growth; by investing time and energy into your mental well-being, you’re making a crucial commitment to your most valuable asset—yourself.