Help in a crisis: This is how experts fight against suicidal thoughts!

Help in a crisis: This is how experts fight against suicidal thoughts!

What's going on in Cologne? A serious incident shakes the city: a man was killed as a result of a knife stab in Westerstede. Horrifying details about the circumstances and background of the case are now coming to light. Not only is a violent crime reported, but also the issues of depression and suicidal thoughts that are increasingly affecting society. NDR reports that the victim's wife will not face criminal charges, raising questions about responsibility and the reasons that led to this tragic incident.

The incident highlights what many people experience when they find themselves in a life crisis. Dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts is not just a personal issue, but also a societal issue. In such situations, contact points and offers of help are of utmost importance. The diakonia is actively committed to suicide prevention and provides numerous support services. Whether by phone, email or chat – help is available to everyone anonymously and free of charge.

Offers of help and preventative measures

Regardless of whether it is about depression or acute crises, the contact points are diverse. The nationwide telephone counseling service can be reached at any time on 0800 – 111 0 111 or 0800 – 111 0 222. Special advice services such as the “Number Against Grief” hotline for children and young people also offer valuable support. These offers of help are indispensable in times when people are on the brink and need help.

• Telefonseelsorge: Anonyme und kostenfreie Beratung.
• U25-Chatberatung: Anonyme Beratung für junge Menschen bis 25 Jahre.
• Jugendnotmail: Anonyme Chatberatung für Jugendliche bis 19 Jahre.
• Hoffnungswiese: Online-Beratung für alle Altersgruppen.

Diakonie particularly emphasizes how important it is to have a supportive environment in times of crisis and to maintain social contacts. In such times, just a listening ear or compassion can be crucial. Offers of help such as those from the German Society for Suicide Prevention (DGS) increase awareness of these topics and promote the importance of open discussion about suicide.

Social responsibility

The debate about suicide prevention and supportive measures is more relevant than ever. Diakonie demands that these offers of help be anchored in law and supported financially. This is the only way to ensure in the long term that everyone who is in need receives the help they need. Openness to talk about suicide and the need for support is the first step towards better understanding in society.

In view of the dramatic incident in Westerstede, we as a society must become aware that behind every tragic fate there is a story of suffering people who need support. It is up to us to actively address these issues and reach out to those affected.