European Council endorses Commission's plan to establish a central European suicide prevention hub

In the heart of Germany, the city of Wiesbaden participated in the nationwide action day for World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th. This year, the city joined forces with the organization "gemeinsam zusammen e.V." to raise awareness about suicide prevention and promote mental health support.

The topic of suicide remains a delicate issue in many societies, but it's crucial to break the taboo and address it openly. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in many age groups, particularly among young people. In Germany, approximately 28 people die by suicide daily, and in 2023, over 10,000 people died by suicide.

The city of Wiesbaden offers various support services for individuals aged 18 and above who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues. The Social Psychiatry Service (SpDi) and the Coordination of Community Psychiatry at the Health Department of Wiesbaden provide further offers.

The Social Psychiatry Service, located at Konradinerallee 11, supports people in difficult life situations, those with mental illness, and those dealing with substance abuse. It also offers advice to relatives, friends, neighbours, and others who may be concerned. The service can be reached at (0611) 312819 or through their website.

Open office hours are available on Monday from 9:30 to 11:30 AM and Tuesday from 12:30 to 2:30 PM. For those seeking immediate help, the telephone counseling service is available at any time and anonymously: 0800 1110111 or 0800 1110222, www.telefonseelsorge.de.

In addition to the Social Psychiatry Service, there are several other resources available in Wiesbaden. The Psychosocial Center Mitte, located at Scharnhorststraße 24, offers support and can be contacted at (0611) 4505329 or via their website. The Psychosocial Center Ost, located at Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring 88, provides similar services and can be reached at (0611) 505894444 or via their website.

The Psychosocial Center Süd, located at Stettiner Straße 2a, and the Psychosocial Center Nord, located at Kloster-Eberbach-Straße 4, 65346 Eltville (Vitos Clinic Eichberg, Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy), are also available for those in need. The Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of the HELIOS Dr. Horst Schmidt Clinics, located at Ludwig-Erhard-Straße 100, is another resource for mental health support.

Numerous self-help groups offer specific services for those affected and their relatives facing psychological challenges. The self-help contact point of the Wiesbaden Health Department can be reached at Phone (0611) 313777. Templates for creating signs of support are available at www.stille-stunde.com.

Everyone is encouraged to set a visible sign for suicide prevention, either at the event at Mauritiusplatz or on social media, at the window, or on their car using the hashtag #YouAreNotAlone. The World Health Organization (WHO) demands that suicide prevention should be understood as a societal task, and education about suicide can save lives and lower the barrier to seeking help.

Low-threshold support services, such as retreat spaces, psychosocial services, understandable information, and inclusion in daily life, can provide relief. By working together, we can create a more supportive and understanding society for those struggling with mental health issues.