Mental health problems and illnesses also affect young people and children. The good news: There is help. An article in the current issue of the magazine “Finanztest” (09/2024) describes what parents can do.
1. Be attentive and listen
Parents are the most likely to recognize whether their child has changed relatively suddenly, says psychology professor Julia Asbrand from Jena. They should then talk to the child about their observations.
2. Professional clarification
If parents have reason to believe that their child has psychological problems, they should consult specialists, advises Kiel-based child and adolescent psychotherapist Heiko Borchers in Finanztest. A pediatrician or family doctor can be the first point of contact, or you can go directly to a child and adolescent psychotherapist. Up to ten appointments and a total of 250 minutes are possible during the consultation hours.
3. Don’t wait too long
“With children, you shouldn’t waste any time because their clocks run faster,” says Borchers. Otherwise, there is a risk that a problem will become entrenched, he continues. Within four to five weeks, the appointment service of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians will arrange consultation hours by calling 116117 (also possible online:
