In recent times, over 60 people on average have taken their own lives in Luxembourg each year. It is estimated that the number of attempted suicides may be 20 times higher. The latest figures are from 2017 as investigations often take a long time. In many cases, it is difficult to tell if it was suicide or not, for instance in the case of traffic accidents or an overdose. Generally, numbers have gone down in Europe as well as in Luxembourg over the past years. Since the Suicide Plan was put in place in 2015, figures have been more encouraging and have decreased by 20 to 25% compared to the years before. However, the absolute figures are often higher because the population has increased, and procedures and analyses were not as precise at the time.
According to Marc Stein, suicide also still suffers from stigma and is often willingly ignored. How these statistics are compiled played a role as well as any political intentions that may be behind them.
Stein stated that unfortunately, mental illnesses still suffer from widespread stigmatisation. Many people hesitate to get help, especially men, and mocking comments from others often discourage them even further.
Meanwhile, Dr Fränz D'Onghia pointed out that there were also reasons to be optimistic and that especially younger generations tend to speak more openly about their problems.
Despite having a broad offer of services, Luxembourg is still missing a national coordinator. According to Dr D'Onghia, there is a need for some sort of mediator between the hospitals and their emergency services, the nonhospital medical facilities, and the non-profit organisations. Many facilities are also offering very similar services because of a lack of organisation.
Stein also pointed out that there existed a sort of mental threshold which prevented people from getting the help they need. He went on to say that this threshold was not only due to psychological reasons, but also financial ones. Currently, visits to a psychologist or psychotherapist are still not being reimbursed unlike sessions for other medical conditions. Even though there are also free offers available, many people struggled to afford private psychotherapy sessions.
Another negative trend is that the number of beds in psychiatric wards has decreased over the past years, a point on which both guests agreed. This often requires that solutions have to be found outside of hospitals. However, psychiatric emergencies can often not be taken care of because of a lack of the necessary equipment. This leads to unnecessary fighting over available beds, even for people who want to be admitted voluntarily. Both guests stressed that there was definitely a need for more beds in psychiatric wards.
Stein stated that the media can do two things: while it may trigger additional suicide attempts by covering cases publicly – the so-called "Werther effect" (in reference to the book "The Sorrows of Young Werther" by German author Johann Wolfgang Goethe) – it also has the potential to prevent new cases.
The issue itself should be prioritised instead of individual cases. If possible, however, the wishes of the families should also be respected.
Dr D'Onghia agreed that the media should definitely omit the details. In this context, it is also important to remember the Papageno effect (in reference to the protagonist in Mozart's opera "The Magic Flute", who overcomes a suicide crisis), meaning to talk respectfully about suicide, but at the same time also about how and where to get help. According to Dr D'Onghia, the Papageno effect can be used to decrease the number of suicides.
Sensationalist news stories as for instance after the suicide of the German goalkeeper Robert Enke are wrong and lead to negative consequences in regard to imitations, i.e. the Werther effect. Two weeks after Enke's suicide, Germany recorded 30 suicides carried out using the same method and after 2 more weeks the number went up to 71.
Do you suffer from suicidal thoughts yourself or know someone who does? In any case, you can call SOS Détresse (45 45 45) or in the case of children and teenagers the Kanner-a Jugentelefon (116 111).
If you live near the centre of Luxembourg, you can call the Luxembourg Mental Health League (49 30 29). In the north of the country "Liewen dobaussen" (26 81 51).
In the south of Luxembourg "Réseau Psy" (54 16 16) is offering help.
You can of course also consult a doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychotherapist.
In the case of an emergency you should of course immediately call 112 or 113.
Family and friends can also play an important role besides professional help. It is important to talk with loved ones and maybe decide together when and if professional help may be more appropriate.
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Your Voice: Suicide Prevention - Centre d'Information et de Prévention
Your Voice: Removing the stigma from mental health issues
