1,916 suicide deaths in 2022, 54 more than in 2021

Over twice as many men (1,315) as women (601) ended their lives in 2022. The number of suicides among women has decreased slightly since 2018; it has risen slightly among men.

Suicide rate stable since 2018

The suicide rate has shown no major changes since 2018 and stood at 10.8 suicides per 100 thousand residents in 2022. This rate takes into account population growth and ageing, enabling comparison between the different years. Since 1970, the highest suicide rate was recorded in 1984, at 14.7 per 100 thousand inhabitants.

Suicide main cause of death among young people under 30

Of all teenage deaths in 2022, 1 in 5 were due to suicide. This is a higher incidence than for road accidents or cancer. Suicide was also the leading cause of death among people in their twenties, accounting for 1 in 3 deaths. Previously, road accidents caused the highest mortality among the under-30s. Among teenagers who died in 1970, road accidents accounted for 44 percent of the deaths and suicide for less than 3 percent. Among people in their twenties who died in 1970, road accidents were the cause of death for 37 percent of the cases; nearly 8 percent died of suicide. Not only did suicide incidence rise, but fewer and fewer under-30s died in road accidents as well: 1,137 in 1970 against 130 in 2022.

Do you need help?
Please, contact 113 Suicide Prevention via 0900 0113 (available 24/7) or via 113.nl.