Where can I find help?

As already mentioned, the rescue service or the police should be informed immediately if the person concerned is in acute danger. If the situation is not acute, a conversation with the person affected should be the first step. If suicidal thoughts are present, one can first contact the family doctor, who can take initial measures and, above all, arrange for a psychotherapist or psychiatrist in private practice.

Of course you can also make an appointment yourself, but the family doctor is the first point of contact. The difference between a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist is that the psychiatrist is a doctor and therefore offers not only psychotherapy but also drug therapy. Another contact point in case of more concrete suicidal behaviour is the emergency room of a psychiatric clinic.

There, acute help can be provided and, if necessary, an inpatient admission can be offered. It is also important to know that relatives may also need help. For example, self-help groups for relatives of people with mental illnesses are suitable for this purpose. Psychotherapeutic advice or support can also be helpful. Find out here what actually happens during psychotherapy.

Forced hospitalization

In the case of involuntary admission, the patient is taken against his will to a closed psychiatric ward and must remain there for a certain period of time. Such a drastic measure may be considered if there is an acute danger to oneself or others. Initially, voluntary admission must then be offered. However, if the person concerned does not agree, forced admission will be considered. Depending on the federal state, this is valid for 12 to 24 hours; for longer periods, a judge must decide whether a further forced placement is justified.

What should one address as a relative?

As a relative, you should not be afraid to raise the issue of suicide. This can help those affected and encourage them to seek help. If possible, one should ask whether the person affected has already made precise plans or preparations to take his or her own life.

A suicide attempt that has already taken place also increases the risk of further attempts. In this case one should act immediately and seek professional help. It is not necessary to analyse the reasons for these thoughts or to give a lot of advice, the relative does not and cannot replace the psychiatrist or psychotherapist.

Listening and helping to find help is also a very important contribution. However, it is also important to consider one’s own limitations. If you are overwhelmed by the conversations or the situation, relatives should also seek help for themselves. Suicide is a difficult subject and can be very stressful for all involved.