Suicide is the second leading cause of death among children and adolescents. Suicidal thoughts, expressions, and attempts are even more common among students. These often relate to mental health disorders (such as depression, trauma-related disorders, eating disorders, and delusional disorders), but can also occur independently and suddenly. Schools and teachers may therefore be confronted with the issue of suicidality.

When teachers experience crises and emergencies involving students, questions arise regarding available support and responsibilities. Insufficient knowledge about students' suicidality and how to handle it can lead to helplessness, fear, and stress among teachers. It is assumed that teachers lack adequate knowledge about the responsibilities within Germany's fragmented help and treatment system.

Project Goals

The aim of the collaborative project is to systematically assess and analyze the knowledge and needs of teachers in this area. Another goal is to investigate the situation and needs of students regarding suicidality in schools through a participatory research approach. From this, the third goal is to develop practical models and modules for the training and continuing education of teachers, which will then be evaluated.

Project Partners

This research project is a collaboration between the City of Oldenburg and Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg. The interdisciplinary and multi-professional team consists of Dr. Christina Vesterling (Project Lead) and Dr. Peter Orzessek from the City of Oldenburg, and Prof. Dr. Ute von Düring (Project Lead), Dr. Naska Goagoses, and Dr. Jessica Wilke from the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg.

© Dr. Annika Rademacher

Learn More

Questions about the project can be directed by email to Dr. Jessica Wilke (jessica.wilke@uol.de) and Dr. Peter Orzessek (dr.peter.orzessek@stadt-oldenburg.de).

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call emergency services at 112. Free support is also available through the Telephone Counseling Service at 0800 1110111 or 0800 1110222.