I am worried about someone
Everyone worries about someone else from time to time. Often things work themselves out, but there are times when they don't. Consider, for example, a soiled home, strange/understood behavior or excessive substance abuse. This can lead to a nuisance, social deterioration or cause someone to suffer from their problems.
It is good to discuss your concerns with the person in question. However, this may not be possible or the concerns may not be perceived as such by the person in question or they may not want to accept help. If you have concerns about someone, you can often report them to a hotline or agency. They will give you advice on how to act, or arrange for appropriate help themselves.
For emergencies, always call 112.
113 is the phone number for anything related to suicide. Read more below.
I suspect domestic violence or child abuse
Domestic violence is violence that occurs in the domestic circle. This means that the person committing the violence is a family member, relative or friend of the victim. For example, a (former) partner, parent, child, caregiver, or family friend.
If you are experiencing domestic or sexual violence, seek help from people close to you or contact the Safe Home hotline directly. You can also contact Safe Home if you experience or report elder abuse.
Child abuse includes physical and mental violence, neglect and sexual abuse. The website Ikvermoedelijkgeweld.nl lists the signs by which domestic violence and child abuse can be recognized.
Calling Safe Home, even if you have doubts or want advice
You can call the Safe Home hotline: 0800-2000 (free of charge and available 24 hours a day). You will then automatically be connected to a social worker in your own region. The social worker listens to your story and gives advice. The social worker can also help organize further help.
Anonymous calling
Anonymous calling is possible. The number is shielded and therefore not reflected on the phone bill.
Chatting with Safe Home
You can also chat with a Safe Home staff member Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. through the Safe Home website .
I worry about someone else's behavior
Are you concerned about the behavior of someone else, such as a neighbor or loved one? Then you can call the hotline Worrying Behavior. Think for example of people who show confused behavior, cannot take care of themselves (anymore), live in a dirty house or have many problems and are in danger of slipping away.
Hotline: call 0800-1205
Through this hotline, you can talk to an expert about the person you are concerned about. Think, for example, of a neighbor who seems confused and does not take good care of himself or his home. About a neighbor who is increasingly walking barefoot in the street and has lost her house keys several times. Or someone you know is in debt, who you see less and less and keeps his curtains closed.
Voicing concerns and seeking advice
The hotline provides an additional opportunity to voice your concerns and seek advice. Depending on the situation, you can do different things. It is nice if people themselves also try to make contact with the people in the neighborhood they are worried about, or with the relatives of these people. It is certainly not intended that personal contact with local residents for all situations be replaced by a phone call to the hotline.
Notification of beginning of an aid program
The hotline is a national number that connects callers to the local hotline in the region. In Central Limburg the hotline is run by Algemeen Maatschappelijk Werk Midden-Limburg. Advice can be given by the staff member of the hotline and, if necessary, help is arranged for the person about whom the report is made. In this way, a report of confused behavior can be the beginning of an aid trajectory.
Reachability of regional hotline for troubling behavior
The reporting point Worrying Behavior can be reached during office hours at the telephone number 0800-1205. If someone calls with concerns after the hotline's opening hours, the caller can be connected to MIND Korrelatie on weekdays until 9 p.m. Mind Korrelation offers a counseling session in which callers receive information about what steps they can take themselves and where they can get help if they would like it.
Bemoeizorg
Bemoeizorg focuses on residents who are socially vulnerable and need Health , but do not recognize it themselves or reject help. There are usually problems in different areas of life and the problems are complex. Think of psychiatry, physical, psychosocial and/or addiction problems, but also serious pollution and/or high debts.
Purpose of mediation care:
- The unsolicited provision and organization of Health and support to the person who needs help. After making an assessment of the situation, when necessary, the person is motivated to accept appropriate help or Health.
- Make a useful contribution to reducing nuisance behavior in the immediate area.
If someone does not want help or does not think help is necessary, that is allowed. As long as there is no danger for that person or his surroundings. Bemoeizorg makes this assessment, together with a psychiatrist and involved network partners such as police, housing associations, general practitioners, municipalities, social work, education, other assistance agencies and Safe Home. If there is danger, the team may choose to start a process that may lead to forced help or Health.
Are you seriously concerned and think someone is avoiding Health ?
If you are concerned about someone, contact TeamBZ to discuss your concerns. Even if you have doubts. TeamBZ will speak to you, think with you, refer you if necessary and help you where they can. This costs you nothing.
You can contact us by e-mail at midden@teambz.nl.
You will then be contacted as soon as possible.
I think someone needs mental health care
People may be at risk of harming themselves or others because of a psychiatric condition. Sometimes mandatory mental health care is then needed.
Extreme rescue
Compulsory mental health care (GGZ) is a last resort and is only used when there really is no other solution possible. Of course, it is preferable to provide appropriate help and Health to residents who need it earlier and on a voluntary basis. However, sometimes things go wrong and then a notification of the Compulsory Mental Health Care Act can offer a solution.
"Compulsory Health is invasive and is only used in serious situations where a person does not want to cooperate with Health himself. so the Wvggz does not offer a solution for everyone."
Can I file a report?
Anyone who is concerned that someone is a danger to themselves or others can report this to the General Social Work Department. This report must be made to the General Social Work office where the person with mental health problems lives.
Do you think someone needs urgent psychological help?
Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
You can then file a report under the Compulsory Mental Health Care Act (Wvggz). To do so, call during
opening hours to Algemeen Maatschappelijk Werk Midden-Limburg, 088-6560696 or email:
meldpuntverwardepersonen@amwml.nl.
Out of office hours
General Social Work can be reached by telephone outside office hours for urgent cases when psychosocial problems are involved. Phone number: 088-6560600.
The employee of the General Social Work can then speak to the person involved and give advice. The next day these cases can be picked up as a regular course.
Suicide - 113
Do you know someone in your circle whom you're worried about? Are you wondering if that person might be thinking about suicide? But are you unsure how to bring up the subject and what you can do to help them?
We’ve put together a list of tips and resources to help you start a conversation, recognize the signs, and know where to turn for further support. Together, we can make a difference.
How can I help someone?
How can I help someone?
Not everyone who thinks about suicide talks about it.
Recognize the signs
They may start behaving differently:
- avoid contact;
- engage in reckless behavior;
- to be gloomy or sad;
- worrying, having trouble sleeping, and expressing a desire for peace and quiet.
They also often give verbal cues:
- “You won’t have to deal with me anymore”
- “As far as I’m concerned, I’m done with all of this”
- “I might as well be dead”
Certain events and circumstances increase the risk of suicide:
- Previous suicide attempts or self-harming behavior;
- The suicide of someone in the area;
- Mental health issues.
Ask the question
If you think someone is considering suicide, ask them about it. Choose the question that feels right to you and use your own words. Make sure you’re clear. For example:
- “Do you ever think, ‘I’m done with this’?”
- “Do you ever think about suicide?”
- “Do you ever think, ‘I don’t want to go on living like this’?”
Talking about suicide does NOT give someone ideas. By listening, you show that you care about them. In fact, it helps alleviate loneliness and stress and can be the first step toward getting help.
Listen, show understanding, and ask follow-up questions
If someone says they’re thinking about suicide or don’t want to go on, ask them what’s causing these feelings of despair and hopelessness. Also ask what suicidal thoughts and plans they have. Only then will the person be ready to talk about what they’d still want to live for.
For example, you can ask:
- “That’s too bad. Why do you feel that way?”
- “How often do you think about suicide?”
- “Have you thought about how you’re going to do it?”
Seek help together
Acute situatie (handelen nodig <20 minuten)
There is a life-threatening situation. For example, someone has swallowed something, injured themselves, or is in possession of a weapon with which they could harm themselves or others. This situation is extremely dangerous. Do not leave the person alone; call 112 (and, of course, ensure your own safety).
Urgent situation (action required within 20–24 hours)
If someone is very far along in their preparations and has a specific time in mind, do not leave that person alone; contact their primary care physician as soon as possible to schedule an appointment within 24 hours. The primary care physician may be able to contact the crisis response team.
Non-urgent situation
- Encourage them to see their family doctor.
- Encourage people to get their loved ones involved.
- Don't assume that someone will seek help on their own or that things will just get better on their own. Suggest that you look for help together.
- Always check to make sure the connection has been established.
Do's & Don'ts
Do's and Don'ts in Conversations
Talking about suicide can save lives. It relieves pressure and helps organize your thoughts. It’s the first step toward a solution. There are a number of dos and don’ts when talking about suicide.
Do's
Name
- “You say you don’t see a way out anymore—do you mean you’re thinking about suicide?”
- “If I understand you correctly, you’re thinking about suicide—is that right?”
Put into concrete terms
- “You say you won’t be here anymore ‘later’—what do you mean by ‘later’?”
- “You say it’s all miserable for you. What exactly is so miserable for you?”
Creating Safety
- “How have you managed to feel calmer again over the past few days/weeks?”
- “How do you think you can stay safe tonight?”
Don'ts
Join the discussion/agree
- “Well, I can totally understand why you don’t want to live anymore…”
- “Well, if I were in your shoes, I might give up too…”
To pass judgment
- “That’s so selfish—think about your family and friends.”
- “You can't do that!”
Quick Advice
- “I think it would be good to work less,” I think.
- “Why don’t you work out more often?”
What helps
The following two videos provide insight and guidance on the topic of suicide.
Watch the video "What Can Help If You're Thinking About Taking Your Own Life?"
Referral Options
1. Family doctor
The primary care physician knows the patient, his or her circumstances, and the social Map the region. After a consultation, he or she can refer the patient to appropriate local resources (e.g., mental health nurse practitioner, primary or specialized mental health care, neighborhood social services team, MEE, occupational physician, municipality, etc.).
2. 113 Suicide Prevention
113 offers anonymous support via chat or phone, focusing on suicidal thoughts and how to reduce them.
3. Confidential Advisor
Think of someone in your company, club, or school.
4. General Social Work
Provides practical, psychosocial, and parenting support that is immediately accessible without any barriers.
5. Debt Counseling
Helps people get a clear picture of their debts and create a plan to pay them off in a structured way.
6. Police
Helps people who are being threatened or stalked to get out of this situation.
7. Center for Sexual Violence
Offers professional help to anyone who has experienced an unwanted sexual encounter.
8. Safe at Home
The counseling and reporting center for domestic violence and child abuse.