Loneliness, Anxiety - Many Seek Comfort in Telephone Counseling - Loneliness, Anxiety - Many Seek Comfort in Telephone Counseling
Germany’s crisis hotline network, Telefonseelsorge, handled over 1.2 million calls in 2025. The service relies on more than 7,800 trained volunteers to provide round-the-clock support. Yet, financial challenges are putting pressure on its ability to keep operating 24 hours a day.
The majority of callers to Telefonseelsorge are women, making up around two-thirds of contacts. Most fall into the 50 to 70 age group, though younger people increasingly prefer online counselling via chat or email. Common concerns include loneliness, relationship struggles, and mental health difficulties.
Counselors have also noted regional variations in the issues raised. In North Rhine-Westphalia, for example, callers frequently express fears about personal safety and social exclusion. Despite the high demand, the organisation now depends more on donations to sustain its services. Volunteers undergo a full year of training before taking calls, with ongoing professional development to maintain standards. However, funding shortages have made it harder to guarantee continuous support for everyone in need.
Telefonseelsorge remains a vital lifeline for many, with over 1.2 million contacts in 2025 alone. The shift toward online counselling reflects changing preferences, particularly among younger users. Without stable funding, though, the future of its 24/7 availability remains uncertain.
