The Impact of COVID-19 on the Suicide Prevention Helpline in The Netherlands

Abstract. 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. Methods: An observational and exploratory study analyzing the frequency of helpline requests and registration data ( n = 893 conversations). Results: Demand for the helpline did increase, but with no distinctive relation with the lockdown measures. During the first lockdown, approxi... Mehr ...