10.09.2026 Don't be afraid of talking to someone: Every life matters, and it's worth asking for help

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day.

A campaign by the Regional Networks Working Group of the National Suicide Prevention Program, in cooperation with Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.

One in five people in Germany face severe mental health challenges at some point in their lives. Depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder—all are common diseases, but many of those affected remain silent. They feel alone, are ashamed, or believe that no one could understand what they are going through. As a possible consequence of this prolonged, severe emotional distress, their will to live may wane and suicidal thoughts may arise.

In Germany, more than 10,000 people died by suicide in 2023—that’s about 29 deaths per day. Men are particularly affected, especially the older ones, who account for the majority of suicides at about 70 percent; however, adolescents and young adults are also affected.

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. Following the theme “Your story isn’t over,” this day aims to raise public awareness that many suicides are preventable and to offer hope, because suicidal thoughts are by no means a sign of weakness, but rather a cry for help resulting from deep emotional distress—for which support is available.

If you or someone close to you is having suicidal thoughts, it’s important to talk about it. And it’s important to know: Help is available, without any judgment or rejection. The first and most important way of helping is often a conversation. “As a society, we must learn not to wait until mental health crises escalate before taking them seriously. This means paying closer attention when people withdraw or their behavior changes, and then addressing these issues. A culture in which it’s common to talk about mental health struggles can help people to find support sooner,” says Prof. Dr. Tilo Kircher, Director of the University Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy in Marburg.

As a direct point of contact for support in difficult life situations, the Telephone Counseling Service is available 24 hours a day at 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222—confidentially, anonymously, and free of charge. They listen without judgment. The website www.telefonseelsorge.de also offers a wealth of additional information and support options.

If you are looking for long-term support, psychologists and psychiatrists in private practice in your neighbourhood can offer help. In acute crises, when there is a risk to one’s own life, admission to a psychiatric hospital is a necessary step. These facilities are specialized in helping and supporting people experiencing mental health crises. In emergencies, you can reach them through the emergency room at your nearest hospital or by calling 112.

In order to provide earlier and more specific support to people with mental illnesses such as depression and bipolar disorder in the future, researchers of the Collaborative Research Center (SFB/TRR) 393 at the University of Marburg—funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG)—are studying the progression of affective disorders with the long-term goal of improving the quality of life for those affected. Prof. Dr. Nina Alexander, head of the Translational Psychiatry Group as well as local coordinator of the CRC 393 in Marburg, adds: “Mental illness not only alters a person’s experience of life, but often also affects their relationship with their environment. Therefore, it is even more important not to reduce those affected to their illness, but rather to focus on their individual life circumstances and resources. This is precisely where an important task of modern psychiatric research lies.”