Calls to mental health helpline by Swiss youth on the rise

The Pro Juventute Foundation, a charity dedicated to children and youth, has noted a significant increase in the number of calls to its support hotline from young people in Switzerland. The average length of calls has doubled, while consultations concerning self-harming behavior are on the rise. The number “147” is Pro Juventute's free and confidential helpline for young people to call with concerns or questions. The duration of calls to the hotline has increased in the last couple of years. In 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic, a call lasted around 5 minutes on average, compared with almost 10 minutes in the first half of 2023. + Psychological problems has become main reason for youth hospitalisations Almost half of these calls concern mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Among the more serious cases, 7 to 8 young people a day call 147 for suicidal thoughts. Pro Juventute also reports that cases of self-harm have particularly increased in early 2023.