Belgium

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

• Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 13.9 (2021 data). (statbel.fgov.be)
• Trend Analysis:

• • Last 5 Years: Belgium’s suicide rate has shown a gradual decline over the past decade.
  • Recent Changes: A decrease of 5% in suicide rates between 2020 and 2021 was observed. (statbel.fgov.be)

Demographic-Specific Insights

1. By Gender:

1. • Male Suicide Rate: 22.6 per 100,000
   • Female Suicide Rate: 6.0 per 100,000
   • Notable Trends: The suicide rate among men remains significantly higher than among women. (statbel.fgov.be)

2. By Age Groups:

1. • Adolescents (15-24): Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in this age group.
   • Elderly (65+): Higher rates of suicide are observed in elderly populations. (oecd.org)

3. Regional Variation:

1. • Suicide rates are higher in Wallonia compared to Flanders and Brussels. (oeh-platform.be)

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

• Overview: Belgium has implemented a National Action Plan for Suicide Prevention, which focuses on reducing suicide rates through evidence-based interventions.
• Key Elements:

• • Restricting Access to Means: Efforts to reduce access to lethal means, such as medications and firearms.
  • Media Guidelines: Promoting responsible reporting of suicides to prevent copycat incidents.
  • Training for Healthcare Providers: Enhancing the capacity of primary care providers to recognize and address suicidal behavior.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

1. Public Awareness Campaigns:

1. • Example: The “Stop Suicide” campaign aims to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention while encouraging individuals to seek help. (stopsuicide.be)

2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:

1. • Description: Initiatives targeting youth, the elderly, and individuals in Wallonia, where suicide rates are highest. (oeh-platform.be)

3. Collaborative Efforts:

1. • Example: Partnerships between the government, NGOs, and healthcare organizations to implement regional suicide prevention strategies.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

• Digital Tools:

• • Example: Online mental health platforms offering counseling and support, such as the Zelfmoordlijn chat service. (zelfmoord1813.be)

• Technology Integration:

• • Use of data analytics to identify high-risk populations and target interventions effectively.

Additional Insights

• Cultural Considerations:

• • Cultural stigma surrounding mental health persists in some regions, which may deter individuals from seeking help.

• Research and Data Gaps:

• • While Belgium collects comprehensive data on suicide rates, there is limited research on suicide rates within specific minority populations.

• Positive Developments:

• • The continued decline in suicide rates and the implementation of national strategies indicate progress in addressing mental health challenges in Belgium.

References

1. Statbel, 2021. Belgium Suicide Statistics. Available at: https://statbel.fgov.be/en
2. Zelfmoordlijn, 2025. 1813 Suicide Prevention Centre. Available at: https://www.zelfmoord1813.be/
3. OECD, 2020. Mental Health and Suicide in Belgium. Available at: https://www.oecd.org/health/
4. Stop Suicide, 2025. Awareness Campaigns. Available at: https://www.stopsuicide.be/
5. OEH Platform, 2024. Suicide Prevention in Belgium. Available at: https://oeh-platform.be/