Guide from erstmalreden.de
If someone withdraws, seems different, or no longer seems safe, you do not need the perfect solution immediately. Calm and concrete support often helps more than pressure.
Warning signs may be withdrawal, strong hopelessness, very little sleep, sudden goodbyes, risky behavior, violence, strong confusion, or sentences like: I cannot go on. One sign proves nothing, but it may be taken seriously.
A sentence without blame can help: I am worried about you and wanted to hear how you really are. You do not have to tell me anything, but I am here. Allow pauses and offer one small concrete help.
You can support, but you are not solely responsible. Counseling centers, TelefonSeelsorge, family doctors, crisis services, or 112 in acute danger are real help paths.
erstmalreden.de offers orientation and wording support. It does not replace counseling, therapy, diagnosis, or emergency help.