Jens Dendoncker (30) has been admitted to a psychiatric ward. He has announced this through his social media. In this way he hopes to get rid of feelings of anxiety that have been dormant for a long time. ‘In recent weeks it had become clear to me and my environment to work on this with professionals.’
–
‘A while ago I was admitted to a psychiatric ward to get rid of my fears. Those fears had been dormant for some time and in recent weeks it was clear to me and those around me that steps had to be taken to work on this with professionals. I am now very well assisted by a team of psychologists, therapists and nursing staff. I would therefore like to thank them – certainly in these anything but obvious times – for their good care. ‘
With those words, Jens Dendoncker responds for the first time himself, since it was announced two weeks ago that he had been admitted to the hospital. At the time, he could not be present at the recording of Red Nose Day, the charity campaign of VTM that pays attention to the mental well-being of young people. Then it sounded that his chronic condition – Dendoncker suffers from Ménière’s disease and epilepsy – was the basis of his admission. Immediately after his message, he gets a lot of support from his colleagues and friends.
Because Red Nose Day has its apotheosis on December 4, he takes the opportunity to encourage young people who are struggling. ‘I would like to ask everyone who is struggling mentally, especially young people, talk about your problems, fears and feelings. And don’t wait (like me) until it’s too late to seek professional help. Do it for yourself, because you deserve that. ‘
In 2018, Dendoncker already spoke candidly about a period when it was mentally tough for him. ‘Around my 22nd I went through a bad period. Partly because of my illness, I had quit my studies and I was single, ”he said Smoke. ‘I felt like I was rock bottom had reached and my illness started to reappear. I was mad: Kiss all my nuts, I don’t have to take this! Then I made a suicide attempt. ‘ Afterwards he was referred to the psychiatric department of UZ Gent, which helped him recover. He stayed there for a month.
Anyone with questions about suicide can contact the Suicide Line on the number 1813 and via www.zelfmoord1813.be.
– .
