No one should have to cope with their mental health problems alone. And yet this is what many children and young people in Switzerland and Liechtenstein have to do every day.
It is clear to UNICEF that the silence around mental health problems needs to be broken. That is why we encourage parents, children and young people to talk openly about their feelings. It starts with a moment, a conversation, a question: What’s on your mind right now?
Anyone wishing to talk about mental health or learn more about the topic also has the opportunity to contact professional counselors and institutions in a confidential setting.
Children and young people
Counseling and support
Asking for help is a sign of strength: it shows self-confidence and courage. Because your mental health is every bit as important as your physical health. It is important to talk about your wellbeing.
Children and young people in Switzerland can contact the professional counselors at Pro Juventute 24 hours a day, free of charge and in complete confidence:
- By calling 147
- By sending a text message to 147
- By sending an email to beratung(at)147.ch
- By using the chat or web self-service feature at 147.ch
Services are available in the three national languages of German, French and Italian. Calls or texts to the 147 emergency number are free of charge and will not appear on your telephone bill.
Children and young people in the Principality of Liechtenstein can contact the counselors at Lazarus Gemeinschaft Liechtenstein 24 hours a day, free of charge and in complete confidence:
- By calling 147
Both callers and counselors remain anonymous.
You can find practical tips about mental health here:
- 4 tips on being kind to yourself (Instagram)
- 5 tips on stress relief (Instagram)
- 5 tips on self-acceptance (Instagram)
- 4 tips on building better relationships (Instagram)
- 4 tips for challenging negative ideas about mental health (Instagram)
- 5 ways to take care of your mental health online (Blog)
- You, me and the Internet (Instagram)
- 6 important questions and answers about cyberbullying (Blog)
If you want to learn more about mental health and self-care, you can also check out the following websites:
If you find yourself in an emergency situation, dial 144 (medical emergencies) or 117 (police) immediately.
Parents
Counseling and support
Love and affection are the cornerstones of every child’s development. That is why it is important for you as parents to stand by your children in difficult situations, support them and always be there for them. To ensure a healthy family life, however, you also need to take care of yourself and your own wellbeing. And you are allowed to ask for help if you need it.
Die Dargebotene Hand is there 24 hours a day for people who need a helping and supportive conversation:
Services are available in the three national languages of German, French and Italian. Callers are granted complete anonymity.
If you have questions on parenting or are experiencing conflicts or crises in your family, you can contact Pro Juventute’s parent counseling service 24 hours a day:
- By calling +41 58 261 61 61
- By sending an email to elternberatung(at)projuventute.ch
- By using the chat
Services are available in the three national languages of German, French and Italian. Counselors have recognized qualifications in the fields of psychology, social work, social pedagogy and care. Conversations are confidential.
You can find practical tips about mental health here:
- When to help your teen find mental health support (Blog)
- How to support your teen’s mental health (Blog)
- How to support your teen during stressful times (Blog)
- 4 ways to build a bond with your child (Instagram)
- 9 tips on how to talk to kids about war (Blog)
- How to protect your family’s mental health during COVID (Blog)
If you want to learn more about mental health and self-care, for your children or yourself, you can find further information on the following websites:
- Pro Mente Sana
- Die Dargebotene Hand
- Pro Juventute
- Dureschnufe.ch
- Reden-kann-retten.ch
- Feel-ok.ch
- Lilli.ch
- psy-gesundheit.ch
If you find yourself in an emergency situation, dial 144 (medical emergencies) or 117 (police) immediately.