“That’s twice as many deaths as on the road. That’s why it’s so important to talk about the taboo topic of suicide,” said Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Minister for Social Affairs, at a press conference on World Suicide Prevention Day next Saturday.
According to Silvia Breitwieser, Head of Telephone Counseling Upper Austria, it is not surprising that young people in particular feel unsettled by the pandemic, war and other current crises: “Young people do not yet have that much life experience. When you’re older, you’ve already experienced a lot of ups and downs – and overcome serious problems as well.”
Talking saves lives
Together with other issues such as bullying or abuse, children, adolescents and young adults are increasingly reaching their limits. Unlike the older generation, who pick up the phone when they are in need, young people are looking for help online – where they usually go. “When young users contact us with their suicidal thoughts, this contradicts their intention to kill themselves. It’s important that they encounter someone who pays attention, shows interest and builds a relationship,” says Breitwieser. Klemens Hafner-Hanner from the family counseling center of the Diocese of Linz explains why special training makes sense for these counselors: “It helps when dealing with the living conditions, with the overall situation of the person concerned.” According to the psychotherapist, however, questions about why are few makes sense, as they tend to create pressure to justify themselves and thus prevent the development of a relationship.
“You don’t have to face crises alone!”
Crisis Aid Upper Austria is there for people around the clock if they no longer know how to help themselves. “You don’t have to face crises alone. 80 percent of people who have suicidal thoughts give clues or talk about it. And that’s a good thing: Talking helps!” says Sonja Hörmanseder, head of the organization under whose umbrella pro mente, Exit-sozial, Red Cross, telephone counseling and emergency counseling are combined. In this way, callers or people looking for contacts can access the most suitable offer in the country via the Internet.
“It’s brave to get in touch,” says Hörmanseder, who also means family and friends of those affected. Because often people make contact who are worried about someone else. The counseling service has summarized what is recommended when dealing with people with suicidal thoughts:
- Always take suicidal thoughts seriously. In any case, they are a distress signal – help is often possible.
- relationship can be lasting. The experience of connectedness is essential for mental health.
- address suicidal thoughts. Do not present any solutions to problems.
- Focus on resources. What support is there in your own environment and from professionals?
- Draw attention to low-threshold offers of help.
- seek help yourself. Dealing with suicidal people can be very stressful. You should seek help and take good care of yourself.
Contact
Crisis Aid Upper Austria: 24-hour hotline, seven days a week, on Tel. 0732 / 21 77, online advice at www.kundenhilfeooe.at
Telephone counseling Upper Austria: emergency phone 142; Chat and online advice, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., at www.onlineberatung-telefonseelsorge.at
relationship life: Info below www.relationshiplife.at
Source: Nachrichten
