In an emergency
Mental health crises can lead to situations in which immediate help is needed. Do not hesitate to seek support if you feel that you or others are in danger.
What is an acute mental health emergency?
Sometimes psychological crises cannot be postponed. Please seek help immediately in urgent or particularly stressful situations.
An emergency exists, for example, if:
- thoughts of suicide become increasingly intrusive or overwhelming
- You have harmed yourself or are considering doing so
- you feel overwhelmed when dealing with children or those in need of care and are worried about losing control
- You are about to become violent or commit a criminal offence
- You are afraid of becoming a victim of violence
- you know a person who fits one of the above examples
Where can I find quick help?
Whether you are experiencing an acute crisis, psychological stress or violence - there are contact points that can provide quick and uncomplicated help. Many services are available around the clock, anonymously and free of charge.
Overview of support services
Helpline – 24 hours, free of charge and anonymous
Telephone counselling
“Nummer gegen Kummer” (in case of sorrow)
- Children's and youth helpline: 116 111 (Mo–Sa 2–8 pm)
- Parent phone: 0800 111 0 550 (Mon–Fr 9 am – 5 pm, Tue & Thur until 7 pm)
Online advice and specialized offers
In acute crisis
- suizidprophylaxe.de – Contact addresses and help in case of suicidal risk
- U25 Deutschland – Online counselling for young people and young adults at risk of suicide
- Caritas Online-Beratung – anonymous and free of charge
Psychological stress
- Psychische Hilfe für Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund – Psychological help for people with migration background - complied by the Bochum Alliance Against Depression
- Caritas Bochum: 0234 96422 0 or 0234 96422 65
- Diakonie Bochum: 0234 9133 0
- Sozialpsychiatrischer Dienst Bochum – Support for psychological stress, also for relatives
Victim protection
- „Stopp – bevor was passiert" (Treatment initiative for victim protection): 0721 470 439 35 (Mon–Fr 8 am – 4 pm)
Help with violence and threats
For women
- Frauenhaus Bochum (Women's shelter): 0234 501 034
- Frauenberatung Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis (Women's counseling): 02336 4759091 (Tue–Thur 9.30 am –1 pm)
- Hilfetelefon „Gewalt gegen Frauen" (Helpline “Violence against women”): 08000 116 016 (24 hours, anonymous, in 18 languages)
For men
- Hilfetelefon „Gewalt an Männern" (Helpline “Violence against men”): 0800 123 99 00 (Mon–Thur 8 am – 8 pm, Fr 8 am –3 pm)
Victim help
- Weißer Ring Bochum: 0234 413398 (Crime prevention and victim help)
Further support services
Care
- Ways to care: 030 20 17 91 31 (Mon–Thur 9 am –4 pm) – Counseling for relatives of people in need of care
Addiction
- Addiction counseling by the Red Cross (DRK): 06062 607 67 (Fr–Sun and on Holidays 8 am – 10 pm) – for relatives of people with addiction problems