Heatwave drives more calls to Vorarlberg counselling service
Saturday 15th August 2026 on 12:30 in
Austria
The continuing heatwave is putting pressure on people’s mental health, with around 45 people calling the Vorarlberg telephone counselling service each day, ORF reported. The service is particularly busy this summer, according to its new director, Raphael Latzer.
Callers often initially complain about the temperatures, but further questions frequently reveal deeper concerns. Loneliness is the most common issue, followed by psychological stress and illness, as well as family and parenting problems.
More callers report acute crises
About 9,000 people in Vorarlberg have contacted the service this year. While many callers mainly need someone to listen, the service is increasingly receiving calls about acute problems.
Sixty calls this year involved acute crises and suicidal thoughts, four percent more than in the same period last year, Latzer said. Global crises and rising costs can add to existing pressures and push people beyond their limits. In such cases, callers are referred to specialist services and counselling centres.
Although increasing numbers of men are using the service, women still account for two-thirds of those seeking help. Most callers are between 40 and 60 years old.
Online counselling is also becoming more important. The service can be reached by SMS, WhatsApp, chat or email, options used mainly by people aged 13 to 30. Latzer said younger people often find it easier to write about problems than to talk about them and are generally less likely to make phone calls. Austria-wide, the service has received 7,000 online enquiries this year. More than 100 came from Vorarlberg, twice as many as last year. The online service is to be expanded.
The telephone counselling service remains available around the clock, including during the summer. Its 94 volunteers provide support by phone, and online counselling is also available.
In a crisis, the nationwide telephone counselling service can be reached free of charge at 142. Psychiatric emergency support is available around the clock at 01 313 30. Young people and young adults can contact Rat auf Draht at 147.