When questionnaire results hint at an acute crisis, InnerPulse responds. This chapter explains how – and which help is always available.
The three tiers
InnerPulse distinguishes three alert tiers:
- Notice (blue) – moderate values such as PHQ-9 between 10 and 14. Keep an eye on the trend.
- Urgent (orange) – repeatedly elevated scores or sharp increases. A conversation with a professional is sensible.
- Acute (red) – you reported suicidal thoughts. The app opens a full-screen modal with hotline numbers.
The acute crisis modal
The modal appears the moment you answer PHQ-9 item 9 with a value greater than zero. It shows:
- a short, empathetic headline,
- three green call buttons with hotlines,
- an Understood button to close it.
The modal can't be dismissed by swipe. You confirm consciously.
DACH crisis hotlines
These numbers are free of charge and available around the clock.
Germany
- Telefonseelsorge – 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222
- On-call medical service – 116 117
- Emergency – 112
Austria
- Telefonseelsorge – 142
- Psychiatric emergency service Vienna – 01 31330
- Emergency – 112 or 144
Switzerland
- Die dargebotene Hand – 143
- Pro Mente Sana – 0848 800 858
- Emergency – 112 or 144
Important
InnerPulse is a tracking tool, not a therapy replacement. The app analyses data – it doesn't replace a conversation with a person. If you're not doing well, pick up the phone. The numbers above are anonymous, free and built for exactly this moment.
Worth knowing
- The acute modal has a 24-hour cooldown. You see it at most once per day, even if you run the test several times.
- Hotlines are embedded in the app and work offline.
- The orange and blue tiers don't pop up – they appear as quiet banners you can dismiss.