TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2022//
TI  - The impact of COVID-19 on the Suicide Prevention Helpline in The Netherlands
JO  - Crisis
A1  - van der Burgt, Margot C. A.
A1  - Mérelle, Saskia
A1  - Beekman, Aartjan T. F.
A1  - Gilissen, Renske
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - BACKGROUND: Although the number of suicides did not increase in 2020, there are concerns about the mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aims: To present the demand for the Dutch suicide prevention helpline during times of lockdown and to describe the coronavirus-related problems discussed. <br><br>METHODS: An observational and exploratory study analyzing the frequency of helpline requests and registration data (n = 893 conversations). <br><br>RESULTS: Demand for the helpline did increase, but with no distinctive relation with the lockdown measures. During the first lockdown, approximately a quarter of the analyzed helpline conversations were registered as coronavirus-related by the counselors. Most frequently mentioned conversation topics were the interruption to or changes in professional help, social isolation and loss of structure, and ways to find a distraction from suicidal thoughts/rumination. Limitations: Observational study design prevents causal inferences, and demand for the helpline is impacted by multiple factors. <br><br>CONCLUSION: These coronavirus-related problems made help-seekers vulnerable to suicidal thoughts and a reduced desire to live. That many suffered from loneliness is concerning as this contributes to the risk of suicidal ideation. The distress among help-seekers due to the sudden loss of mental health care underscores the importance of maintaining contact with those in care and lowering the threshold for help.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0227-5910
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1027/0227-5910/a000863
ID  - ref1
ER  -