The number of calls to the Suicide Line Mind has varied over time during the pandemic.

The guideline interprets the variation as an effect of how the corona situation has changed and developed.

- In August, for example, there was talk that we could not return to normal and that we must continue to work at home.

Then we saw that the number of calls peaked again, says Karin Schulz, Secretary General of Mind.

"Many people lack close friends to talk to"

Throughout the pandemic, the pressure on Mind has been greater than usual.

In October this year, they received 6,040 calls, compared with 2,837 in October last year.

One reason is that the lack of social contexts is consuming many people.

- So we absolutely see in front of us that more people will have mental problems in the future.

Then we hope that not everyone needs to contact the Suicide Line.

But we see that there are many who do not have relatives or close friends to talk to, says Karin Schulz.

Another reason for the high burden may be that the National Helpline for People in Mental Crisis was closed down on 1 January 2020 due to withdrawn appropriations.

"Far-reaching consequences"

Minds Elderly Line, where seniors can call if they have mental health problems or need someone to talk to, has also received more calls during the pandemic.

In October this year, the Elderly Line received 2,856 calls, compared with 437 calls during the same month last year.

- Generally on the Elderly Line, since the corona pandemic started, there are more callers who feel worse.

Previously it was more about alleviating loneliness, but now the degree of hopelessness has increased in the conversations, says Karin Schulz.

There is also a concern at Mind about what consequences the pandemic will have for young people's mental health.

If, for example, distance education leads to fewer people being able to leave school, it can in the long run lead to greater mental illness, Karin Schultz believes:

- We see that this will have far-reaching consequences for people.

The longer the time passes, the more you lack social contexts, and may suffer from unemployment and redundancies.

So it is clear that it interferes with people's mental well-being.