There is something special about winter in Germany... but also something very hard.
The days are getting shorter, the cold and the grey skies seem to stay forever. For those of us who are far from home, far from our people, this weather can feel like another burden. Sometimes it is hard to get up, hard to get motivated, hard to feel joy.
And if it's happening to you... I want to tell you something important: it's not your fault, and you are not alone.
Many migrants feel a deep sadness in these months. You are not exaggerating, you are not being weak. You are going through a difficult winter, in a new country, with a language that sometimes hurts more than it accompanies.
If you are going through a difficult time, here are places where you can ask for help without fear or shame.
馃憠 If you need to talk to someone right away
In case of emergency
112 - If there is immediate risk. It is for you.
TelefonSeelsorge - 24/7 emotional support
Free, anonymous, someone who simply listens to you without judgement.
0800 111 0 111
0800 111 0 222
116 123
Chat available on their website:
馃敆 https://www.telefonseelsorge.de
Sometimes you just need someone to listen to your voice.
馃憠 If you prefer to write rather than talk
Krisenchat - 24/7 Crisis Chat
They respond quickly, with empathy. It's free of charge.
馃敆 https://krisenchat.de
Sometimes you don't want to talk, you just want to write what you feel. And that's fine too.
馃憠 Places where you can ask for guidance
If you find it difficult to understand how the system works or you want a first accompaniment:
Caritas
AWO
Diakonie
Search for your city + Migrationsberatung.
There, they really listen to you.
馃憠 If you want to start therapy with your public insurance company
Sometimes it's hard to get shifts, but starting to look for them is a huge step.
馃攷 Directories where you can find therapists:
Doctolib (filtering language)
- You can also ask your GP to recommend one.
I ordered a Sprechstunde (initial session).
It's not compromising, it's allowing yourself to try.
馃憠 Online therapy without waiting: talking to someone in your language
If all of the above overwhelms you, or you simply need support NOW, without waiting lists or language rejection, you can try online therapy.
Many migrants are using BetterHelp, The app connects you to a therapist in English or Spanish, by chat or video call, from any city in Germany. Also within the app once you start, you have the possibility to make group calls (in case you are interested).
Our recommended link:
BetterHelp - Start here聽 -> with this link you get one week free
Tip-> once you enter the BetterHelp website, at the bottom of the page, you have the possibility to change the language of the page to English.
馃憠 Winter, light and a reminder about vitamin D
In Germany, during the winter months, we spend a lot of time without sunshine. There is literally not enough daylight for the body to produce enough sunlight. vitamin D, a nutrient that influences energy, mood and general well-being.
This is why many doctors recommend checking your vitamin D level, especially if you feel extreme tiredness, persistent sadness or low motivation. Supplementing with vitamin D - always following medical advice - can be an additional help. to get through this time of year.
It is not a substitute for therapy, it is not a magic solution...
But it can be a small ray of light in the midst of so many grey days.
馃挍 A final message, from the heart
If this winter is weighing you down more than usual... breathe.
You don't have to prove anything. You don't have to be strong all the time.
Being far away, being tired, being sad... all that is also part of migrating. And asking for help is a profound act of self-love.
You are doing the best you can. And that's good enough.
If you need to talk, if you want to share your experience or if you are just looking for a safe place, the community is here.
You are not alone.
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