Dutch Youth Suicide Crisis: A Classroom Lost Every Month

The Hague – It is a statistic that chills the bone: Every month, the Netherlands loses an average of one entire school classroom of young people to suicide. A new report by the 113 Suicide Prevention Foundation reveals a heartbreaking surge in mental health tragedies among those under 30.

The numbers are rising faster than the population, signaling a deep, systemic crisis. From 212 cases in 2014 to 299 in 2024, the trend is undeniable. Experts are now sounding the alarm: “We need to talk about this before it’s too late.”

Table of Contents

• The Numbers: A 41% Increase
• The Shift: Why More Women Are at Risk
• “Life Lessons”: Breaking the Silence
• A Sister’s Grief: “He Seemed Strong”
• Key Takeaways
• Dutch Learning Corner
• Need Help? (Emergency Contacts)

The Numbers: A 41% Increase

The data paints a grim picture of Dutch youth mental health.

In the last decade, suicides in the 10-29 age bracket have jumped by nearly 41%.

Professor Renske Gilissen warns that this isn’t just about a growing population. “The mental health struggles of young people are increasingly leading to fatal outcomes,” she states. The pressure of performance, social media, and post-pandemic isolation are creating a deadly cocktail that society is struggling to address.

The Shift: Why More Women Are at Risk

While suicide rates have historically been higher among men, a disturbing new trend is emerging among young women.

Experts are observing a sharp rise in both attempts and completed suicides among females under 30.
* The Pattern: Unlike men, who often act impulsively due to sudden crises, young women who die by suicide often have a history of mental health treatment.
* The Warning: This suggests that even those “in the system” are slipping through the cracks.

“Life Lessons”: Breaking the Silence

To fight this, the 113 Foundation has launched a campaign called “Levensles” (Life Lesson).

The goal is simple: Talk.

Clinical psychologist Maryke Geerdink emphasizes: “Don’t be afraid to ask the question. Asking someone if they are considering suicide does not put the idea in their head; it opens a door.”
The campaign aims to equip teachers and students with the courage to have these awkward, painful, but life-saving conversations.

A Sister’s Grief: “He Seemed Strong”

Behind every number is a shattered family.

Cindy van Hamond lost her brother, Leroy, in 2007. “He appeared strong on the outside,” she recalls. “We only realized the extent of his pain after he was gone.”

Now a teacher in Tilburg, Cindy uses her grief to fuel her mission. She actively talks to her students about their feelings, hoping to be the lifeline her brother never had.

Key Takeaways

• The Stat: ~300 young people (under 30) die by suicide annually in NL.
• The Trend: A 41% increase since 2014.
• The Campaign: “Levensles” encourages open talk in schools.
• The Advice: Asking about suicide saves lives; it doesn’t cause it.

Dutch Learning Corner

Source / Health: 113 Zelfmoordpreventie