Help for the mind – when a crisis becomes too much
Crises weigh not only on everyday life but also on the mind. Worries, trouble sleeping, irritability or the feeling that everything is too much: these are normal reactions to an extraordinary situation. You are not alone with them.
What helps
The BBK recommends, among other things:
- Stay connected: talk to family, friends and others affected. Knowing you are not alone with your fears already helps.
- Plan together: do not only look at the damage, talk about the next steps.
- Help and accept help: it gives you the feeling that you can do something.
- Keep routines: plan your day, sleep, eat and drink regularly, go outside and move.
- Take breaks: distraction, things that do you good, relaxation exercises.
- Measure the news: only as much as you need to stay informed – ideally at fixed times.
Talk for free – day and night
Austria
- 142 Telefonseelsorge, around the clock
- 147 Rat auf Draht, the emergency line for children and young people
- 116 123 helpline for emotional support
- 1450 health advice, if your body is struggling too
Germany
- 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222 TelefonSeelsorge, around the clock, anonymous and free
- 116 123 TelefonSeelsorge
- chat and email via TelefonSeelsorge
After a serious event
After disasters, the aid organisations' crisis intervention teams look after those affected, their relatives and helpers. Authorities and aid organisations often set up special hotlines – the numbers are announced on radio, TV and the internet. In Austria, people who have lost someone can find support, for example, at the Kriseninterventionszentrum, the Notfallpsychologischer Dienst or "Die Boje" (for children).