Psychological Care in Austria: Expert Sees Urgent Need for Action

Following the rampage at BORG Dreierschützengasse in Graz, the head of Styrian suicide prevention, Sigrid Krisper, has called for cohesion and communication. "No one should be ashamed, crises should not be a taboo." It is "important now to stand together, seek help, and talk about what happened," said Krisper. "All feelings are allowed," emphasized the clinical psychologist. Since 2019, she has been leading the Styrian suicide prevention "Go-on".

Head of Styrian Suicide Prevention: School Now a Place of Uncertainty

The act has triggered a "great uncertainty" among many affected, Krisper noted. "A place that was considered safe until now is now shrouded in a black cloth. The school has become a place of uncertainty. And uncertainty creates fear." All the more reason to make use of the support services. The whole society is challenged: "So that we can create a kind of security for our children and adolescents."

Dense Network of Psychosocial Services in Styria, but Shortages "Everywhere"

Even though Krisper sees the killing, rather than suicide, as the primary focus in the Graz rampage, she emphasized the importance of suicide prevention. Often, "warning signs" appear in advance among those affected, Krisper speaks of "significant behavioral changes": For example, when the affected person gives away their pet, which they have always loved. Or when the person withdraws. Or when they suddenly become aggressive and violent outbursts occur. "Then you can assume that you need to keep an eye on the person and watch over them."

Fundamentally, the network of psychosocial services in Styria is "densely woven," said Krisper. However, there is a shortage "everywhere" of specialists, such as psychiatrists. And there are always children and adolescents who do not know who or where to turn to.

Stigmatization of Mental Crisis Still an Issue in Austria

The psychologist also repeatedly observes that there is still fear of stigmatization. "No one should be ashamed, crises should not be a taboo. We are all still called upon to break these taboos. No matter what crisis one is in - everyone feels bad at some point, everyone can seek help."

Criticism of Social Media and Gun Laws by Psychologist Krisper

Since 2024, suicide prevention has been directly active in schools with one of its projects, "to learn how to talk about conflicts and concerns and how to build resilience," explains Krisper. It is important to work with children as well as with educators and parents. In the area of social media, Krisper sees a need for improvement: "They are a focal point for young people, and there is so much nonsense circulating there." Educational videos could counteract this. Krisper emphasizes: "We can never do enough for children and adolescents, there can never be enough offerings."

The psychiatrist also believes that the gun law needs to be discussed now. "Guns are a means of suicide, and one can cause a lot of damage in a short time with a gun. We should at least ask ourselves the question now: Why does a private person need a gun?"

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(APA/Red)

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