Alarm mood in Berchtesgadener Land: Suicide numbers are increasing drastically!

Alarm mood in Berchtesgadener Land: Suicide numbers are increasing drastically!

Something is happening in Berchtesgadener Land. The experts are sounding the alarm because the number of suicides is rising again and is causing those responsible great concern. How bgland24 reported, a suicide prevention campaign week was launched by Martina Hüttinger and the Caritas specialist outpatient clinic. The aim of this initiative is to break down the barriers and raise awareness of warning signs. The need for pastoral care is high, which is reflected in the thousands of contacts recorded each year.

Georg Wetzelsperger, member of the district council, urgently warns against long waiting times for therapy places, especially in rural areas. Relying on prophylaxis is the right way, as suicide is one of the most taboo topics in our society that we cannot ignore. In 2023, there were 10,304 suicide cases across Germany, with 75% of those affected being men and the majority being over 50 years old.

Local developments and statistics

The numbers for Berchtesgadener Land are alarming: between 2020 and 2022, a total of 41 suicide cases were registered - 35 men and 6 women. The most common age group affected is those aged 50 to 59. Over 40 cases are also expected for 2023 and 2024, which indicates a high burden in the region. A look at the Traunstein district shows that 23 suicide cases have already been reported in 2024. Since not all deaths are autopsied, the actual numbers could be even higher.

Distinguishing between a temporary crisis and a long-term mental illness is crucial. Warning signs that can indicate a risk of suicide include openly talking about suicide, social withdrawal and sudden calm after tension. What is also important here are the specific risk assessments, which largely depend on the strength of the thoughts, previous attempts and the specificity of the plans.

Support offers for those affected

Those who are not feeling well often need someone to listen and understand. Fast and unbureaucratic support is needed, especially in rural regions, where the topic of mental health is often still very taboo. The telephone counseling service is an important contact point, which is available on the general number 116123 is available around the clock. The MANO online consultation offers an additional contact point, which focuses on an anonymous and low-threshold exchange with those affected.

• Evangelische Telefonseelsorge: 0800 1110111
• Katholische Telefonseelsorge: 0800 1110222
• Nummer gegen Kummer (für Kinder und Jugendliche): 116111
• Lebenslinien 60+: lebenslinien-60plus.de

The aim of the action week and the diverse offers of help show that it is important to talk about mental crises and to make help easily accessible. Berchtesgadener Land is burdened above average and every step in the right direction counts.