Guide from erstmalreden.de

Help for relatives

If you are worried about someone, you do not need to find the perfect solution immediately. Calm, concrete support often helps more than pressure.

Speak carefully

A concrete, non-judging sentence can be: "I have been a bit worried about you lately and wanted to hear how you are really doing. You do not have to tell me anything, but I am here."

What tends to help

Name what you observe calmly, ask open questions, accept pauses, offer one small concrete step, and stay reliable. It is okay if the person does not open up immediately.

What often does not help

Avoid sentences like "pull yourself together", "others have it worse", or "just think positive". They can increase shame, even if they are meant kindly.

Do not become solely responsible

You may get support yourself: counseling center, TelefonSeelsorge, family doctor, crisis service, or in an emergency 112. You do not have to carry a crisis alone.

Act immediately on warning signs

If someone wants to harm themselves, is unreachable, seems acutely endangered, or you see immediate danger, call 112.

What you can do now

  1. Name what you observe calmly.
  2. Offer support without pressure.
  3. Get real help in danger.

erstmalreden.de offers orientation and wording support. It does not replace counseling, therapy, diagnosis, or emergency help.