|
|
|
|
|
You’re Not Alone – And Now, There’s a Place for You in English
|
|
Sometimes, what we need most is a space where we don’t have to explain everything. Where people simply get it.
|
|
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, stuck, or quietly struggling with burnout or depression, you’re not alone. And starting this spring, there’s a new place where you can connect, share, and grow… in English.
|
From April 18, 2026, we’re opening the first English-speaking online self-help café as part of the German Association for Burnout and Depression (Bund für Burnout und Depression e.V. – BBuD). We created this group to reach more people, no matter where they are, and to offer support that feels accessible, human, and real.
|
|
⏰ Next: May 16, 2026 (3pm – 5pm)
|
|
🗓 3rd Saturday of every month
|
🌍 Online — join from anywhere
|
|
What makes our self-help group different?
|
|
This is not just a space to talk – it’s a space to move forward, together.
|
|
Most sessions explore a specific topic. We share experiences, reflect together, and try out simple, guided exercises to discover new ways of thinking and responding to life’s challenges. At the same time, there is room for openness and flexibility: regularly, we offer open share sessions, where participants can simply bring whatever is on their mind.
|
|
Gently. At your own pace. In a safe and supportive environment. There’s no pressure to be “better,” no expectation to have it all figured out. Just a group of people, meeting as equals, learning from each other.
|
|
Over the years, we’ve seen how powerful this kind of space can be. People don’t just come once – they return. They grow. They begin to notice small but meaningful changes in how they handle stress, relationships, and themselves.
|
|
Because one thing becomes clear: Even in difficult times, change is possible – and it’s easier when we don’t have to do it alone.
|
|
So, you are warmly invited! Whether you’ve been struggling for a long time or are just starting to notice the weight of stress – this group is here for you.
|
|
Come as you are. Listen, share, or simply be there.
|
|
The BBuD’s ABC groups were launched in 2013 by people with depression for people with depression. They combine the sharing of experiences with thematic discussions and offer a safe space where participants can address their individual challenges. While self-help cannot replace therapy, it serves as an important complement—especially when professional support is difficult to access.
|
|
Depression is now one of the most common mental illnesses in Germany. In 2024, approximately 9.5 million people were affected by depression (Health Atlas Germany, AOK 2024). The number of people affected is rising steadily. Depression takes a toll on the lives of those affected and their social circles. Stigmatization, ignorance, and a lack of understanding among the general public, on the one hand, as well as insufficient care services, make dealing with the illness more difficult overall. The term “burnout,” used by the association, helps to formulate an offer that is linguistically accessible and thus reaches more people. With the goal of offering support to as many people as possible in this regard, the BBuD is taking another important step with these new dates.
|
|
Background: In Germany, three percent of the population has already been diagnosed with so-called “burnout” at least once in their lives. This syndrome refers to a state of exhaustion that can manifest in various phases, ranging from overload and excessive demands to mental breakdown; it primarily affects professional life and social contacts and, in particular, triggers psychosomatic symptoms. In contrast, at least 9.5 million Germans have already suffered a serious depressive episode, which is considered a severe psychiatric illness and manifests as a lack of perspective, joylessness, sadness, significant physical symptoms, and a massive withdrawal from one’s personal environment. However, both conditions are amenable to psychotherapy and pharmacological treatment approaches. In addition, low-threshold measures such as relaxation training, light therapy, self-help measures, social counseling, or coaching can be helpful.
|
|
The Federal Association for Burnout and Depression (Bundesverband Burnout und Depression e. V.) is the nationwide self-help organization for people with stress-induced conditions such as burnout or depression. Its members are personally affected and aim to encourage others to become active again and to take responsibility for themselves and other sufferers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
