Germany's Youth Mental Health Crisis Drives Record Demand for Anonymous Counselling
Demand for counseling services at Nummer gegen Kummer (Number Against Sorrow) remains high. Last year, advisors conducted a total of 124,619 consultations with children, adolescents, and parents facing difficult life situations.
The figures show that low-threshold, anonymous, and personal counseling—both by phone and online—continues to be widely used. The increase in demand is particularly evident in online counseling, which saw a 38 percent rise compared to the previous year. Counseling sessions at the children and youth helpline as well as the parents' helpline also increased year-over-year.
"These numbers demonstrate how crucial it is that we continue to provide young people, parents, and other caregivers with personal counseling services," says Gisela Wetzel-Willert, chair of the Nummer gegen Kummer umbrella organization. "Those who reach out to us find qualified counselors who listen, take them seriously, and offer support. For many, this experience is the decisive step in finding the courage to speak about their worries for the first time."
The current concerns of young people seeking advice highlight the challenges they face. Mental health issues were the most common topic last year, both at the children and youth helpline and in online counseling. Family conflicts, illness, loneliness, and bullying were also major concerns. Online counseling sessions additionally saw frequent discussions about self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
Parents and other caregivers primarily sought guidance on feeling overwhelmed in everyday parenting, family conflicts, or partnership problems through the parents' helpline.
The Nummer gegen Kummer network offers free and anonymous counseling by phone and online to children, adolescents, and parents across Germany.
