This page is initial orientation and does not replace medical or legal advice. If there is immediate danger, call 112 right away.
When to worry: recognising the signs
Many difficulties are part of growing up and pass on their own. But some signs deserve attention when they last a long time or limit daily life. The distinction below helps you orient yourself.
Often normal
- Temporary fears, sadness or anger, for example after a change (moving house, a new sibling, changing school).
- Fluctuations in sleep or appetite that pass within a few days.
- Age-appropriate stubbornness or testing boundaries.
Good reasons to talk to a specialist
Seek advice if these signs last for weeks or get stronger:
- Persistent fear, sadness, withdrawal or hopelessness.
- Avoiding school or kindergarten, frequent stomach or head aches.
- Markedly disturbed sleep, eating or concentration.
- A clear increase in aggression or outbursts of anger.
- Self-harm or not wanting to live (in that case, see the Emergency page right away).
First step: observe and seek advice
Note your observations with date and situation. This helps the specialist a lot at the consultation (Sprechstunde). You do not have to decide alone; a specialist assesses it together with you.
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