Suicide prevention: A discussion group for bereaved families in Berlin

Suicide prevention: A discussion group for bereaved families in Berlin

In Germany, the number of annual suicides has remained constant between 9,000 and 10,000 since around 2008. Men are particularly affected, accounting for three quarters of these cases. Statistics also show that the suicide rate is significantly higher among older and very old people. These actions are often preceded by mental illnesses such as depression, psychosis or addictions. This has motivated the federal government's goal of developing a national suicide prevention strategy, which is due to be presented in 2024, as the Federal Ministry of Health reports.

Henryk Mainusch, neurologist and leader of a discussion group for those left behind after suicide, has gained a deep insight into the problem based on personal experiences with suicide within his family. He lost his wife two and a half years ago and was already affected by the suicides of his in-laws and his own mother. According to rbb24 he describes the shock and destruction that his wife's suicide caused in his life.

Risk for survivors

Survivors of suicide victims are themselves at increased risk of developing suicidal thoughts. Mainusch emphasizes the importance of having approachable people in these people's environment to talk openly about suicidal thoughts. Support offers such as the discussion group provide a protected environment in which the bereaved can express their feelings. In addition, low-threshold support services, such as telephone counseling and BeSu Berlin, are essential to provide support to relatives of those at risk of suicide.

In order to further improve prevention, on November 10, 2022, the Bundestag Budget Committee decided to call on the federal government to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for suicide prevention. The National Prevention Plan aims to implement this strategy in cooperation with various institutions and organizations, such as the nationwide specialist network NaSPro.

Together against suicide

The NaSPro, founded in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and WHO Europe, follows the credo “Connect. Inform. Activate”. It is intended to promote an exchange and the transfer of knowledge about suicide, suicidality and suicide prevention and views suicidality as a problem for society as a whole. In order to ensure sustainable and successful prevention work, close cooperation between many actors is necessary.

It remains to be seen how the strategies presented will affect the current situation. In a society in which the topic of suicide is often taboo, direct discussions about suicidal thoughts and the provision of support are crucial. Ultimately, the open exchange that Henryk Mainusch promotes in his discussion group can make a significant difference in the lives of bereaved families and those at risk of suicide.