🧭 Overview: help for depression
In brief
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in Germany and in the vast majority of cases is highly treatable. It shows itself, among other things, through low mood, loss of pleasure and interest, and lack of drive over at least two weeks, and can be mild, moderate or severe. Nobody has to go through this alone: The first step usually leads to your GP or directly to a psychotherapist.
If you are thinking about suicide right now or are in acute danger: Call the emergency number 112 or the TelefonSeelsorge (telephone counselling service) immediately – free of charge, anonymous, around the clock: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222 (telefonseelsorge.de). You do not have to wait for an appointment to become free.
Step by step
- Take it seriously and talk about itPersistent low mood, joylessness or exhaustion are a reason to seek professional help – not a sign of weakness.
- Choose a first point of contactYour GP, a psychotherapy consultation hour (Sprechstunde) or the appointment service 116117 (Terminservicestelle) are equally valid first contacts.
- Clarify diagnosis and severityThrough a conversation and standardised questionnaires (e.g. PHQ-9), the severity of the depression is assessed.
- Start treatmentDepending on severity, psychotherapy, medication or both combined are options – for moderate to severe depression the guideline generally recommends a combination.
- Secure your daily life and workSick leave, contact with your employer and, if needed, financial security can be sorted out in parallel – there are separate topic pages for this on this portal.
Deadlines
- Depression is often played down by those around you ("Pull yourself together") – this often delays the start of treatment.
- A single questionnaire score does not replace a medical or psychotherapeutic diagnosis.
- If you have acute suicidal thoughts, do not wait for a regular appointment – use the emergency number 112 or the TelefonSeelsorge immediately.
- You can use several routes (GP, 116117, hospital outpatient clinic) in parallel to get an appointment faster.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals
Definition and severity grades
According to the National Care Guideline/S3 guideline "Unipolar Depression" (version 3.0, 2025), a depressive episode is present when core and additional symptoms (including low mood, loss of interest, lack of drive, sleep disturbances, concentration problems, suicidal thoughts) persist for at least two weeks. A distinction is made between mild, moderate and severe depressive episodes as well as recurrent courses.
Stepped care
The guideline recommends a stepped approach: In mild depression, active monitoring with close follow-up may be sensible at first; in moderate depression, psychotherapy or medication is recommended; in severe depression, generally a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants. Screening instruments such as PHQ-9 or WHO-5 support early detection but do not replace clinical diagnostics.
Responsibilities within the system
GPs often provide initial care and handle milder to moderate cases, where appropriate in cooperation with psychotherapists and specialists in psychiatry and psychotherapy. In severe courses or crises, psychiatric outpatient clinics (psychiatrische Institutsambulanzen, PIA) and hospitals become involved.
A question about your situation that this page does not answer? Write to us or use the contact form – we will tell you which office is responsible and what to bring. Free of charge, without individual legal advice.