Lost the job, the bills pile up, the despair runs deep. Where to turn when everything breaks up around you.
What to hold on to when everything breaks around you?
The phones at the Professional Association of Austrian Psychologists (BÖP) now ring more often. The number of callers on the helpline has increased considerably since the corona pandemic. While the BÖP received a total of 863 calls in the previous year, this year there were already 3,166. The number of concerned callers has also increased in the crisis intervention center. “The corona pandemic and its effects now play a role for at least 70 percent of callers,” says the managing director and medical director of the crisis intervention center Thomas Kapitany.
Extremely vulnerable
Existential fears, worries about relatives, violence in a partnership, loneliness, excessive demands and even suicidal thoughts: the list of problems the caller faces is long. “This is an extremely challenging time for many people. One must not ignore that many compensatory activities are currently being eliminated. To travel. Going out with your best friends. That also makes us more prone to personal crises, ”says Kapitany.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Danube University Krems has repeatedly examined the mental health of Austrians. The first study in April showed an increase in mental symptoms for depression, anxiety, or sleep problems to three to five times the pre-pandemic levels.
Current results confirm that depressive symptoms still occurred in around 20 percent of the population in both June and September. Symptoms of anxiety or sleep disorders also remain at 16 percent. The comparison is particularly clear in severe cases: since the beginning of the pandemic, around eight percent have suffered from severe depressive symptoms; in a study in 2014 it was only one percent.
What has always helped you?
Money problems, fear of the future, layoffs: We live in an uncertain time with extremely high stress, as psychologist Felicitas Auersperg knows: “First of all, a look at your own biography can help. What has always helped me with my personal crises? ”These can be coping strategies outside, such as regular exchanges with friends or sports. But also certain thoughts that give hope, courage and strength.
“Just being aware that you have already mastered difficult situations in your life can give you the strength you need for the current crisis.” If you get stuck with this method, the psychologist emphasizes, this is the moment at the latest one should seek help. “Accepting professional help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of common sense.”
Focus on the good
Psychotherapist Kapitany knows how important it is to communicate your worries: “Expressing your grief brings order to your worries. You also get understanding and that makes the situation easier. Otherwise you will go around in circles with your thoughts and may not be able to get out on your own. “
Contact with other people provides personal support in everyday life. According to experts, if you are overwhelmed, you run the risk of losing your drive. “In that case, it helps to set up a daily structure,” says Auersperg.
This includes making appointments such as sports or calling your best friend every day, as well as planning fixed times for looking through the job ads. It also helps if you are good for your mind and body.
“It is especially important to take time for mental health, also because anxiety and stress weaken the immune system. In general, you should try to keep the focus on the positive (everything that is good in your own life now), even if it is particularly difficult in these times.
Contact points & help
Telephone and email advice, free and anonymous:
– Professional Association of Austrian Psychologists (BÖP): +43 1 504 8000, from Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. or by e-mail to: [email protected].
– Crisis Intervention Center: +43 1 406 95 95, Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. At www.kriseninterventionszentrum.at there is the possibility of email counseling.
– Telephone counseling: Telephone counseling is available around the clock on the nationwide emergency number 142. At www.telefonseelsorge.at there is also the possibility of email advice.
