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Young man smoking at a window © Leonie Kierstein

The pandemic as a pathway towards destigmatising mental illness?

Последна актуализация сряда, 22/02/2023

Warning: this article is about depression and mental illness. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, you may decide not to read it, or at least not when you are on your own!

Isolation, lack of social contact, loneliness, no parties and cancelled graduations — it cannot be denied that young people have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic over the past two years, with a significant impact on their mental health. Mental illness in children and young people has almost doubled, according to studies conducted by the UKE (University Hospital Eppendorf) in Hamburg. This includes, in particular, depression and anxiety disorders, as well as psychosomatic symptoms such as stomach ache and headaches, sleep disorders and general feelings of despondence. So how did young people who were already struggling with their mental health before the pandemic find it? This article is intended to give the floor to those people. What obstacles and problems did they encounter, and why is it so hard to find treatment in Germany?

‘The first lockdown was a huge shock’ — Lara (name changed), 24  

School and university closures, restrictions on contacts and the cancellation of social events had the same effect on many young people: loneliness. The lack of social interaction is a particular challenge for young people with mental health problems, compounded by the lack of a daily routine, which, especially for schoolchildren and students, can exacerbate their depression. Around three quarters of people suffering from depression say that the lack of a daily routine is very difficult for them to cope with*. 

Some issues were thrust into the limelight by the pandemic: ‘We saw more children and young people with depression, anxiety, addictions and eating disorders,’ says Professor Martin Holtmann, medical director of the LWL University Hospital in Hamm.

Photo of Professor Martin Holtmann

Professor Martin Holtmann

It is clear that the lockdown has had a negative impact on the mental health of children and young people. But perhaps this very situation can now be used to shift attention onto mental illness. Because, unfortunately, there is still too little information available on mental health problems and too little help for those affected.

The problem of finding treatment

For many of those affected, finding treatment can be an obstacle in itself. ‘It is really difficult for a person with mental health issues not to be overwhelmed by all the cancellations, waiting lists, no-entry signs and unanswered queries.’ Lara, whose name we have changed here, describes looking for treatment as a real slog. So why does it take so long to find treatment, and what are the hurdles that need to be overcome? One major problem in Germany is the lack of psychotherapists accredited with the statutory health insurance funds. What exactly does that mean? Only doctors accredited with the statutory health insurance funds in Germany can be reimbursed from them. However, as these places are very scarce, too few sick people can actually access treatment, leading to long waiting lists and cancellations. Patients in Germany wait for an average of six months for treatment, and often much longer. 

[This subject] is a real blind spot in our society: How does the system work? How do I get treatment? What do I need to do to get it? Much more information needs to be provided.” — Justus, 25

All this leads to hurdles for many young people which need to be overcome: just summoning up the courage to pick up the phone can be daunting. The fear of rejection. Will I find a therapist who suits me? ‘Finding suitable treatment is often a real challenge for families. Treatment possibilities are not evenly spread across Germany’, says Professor Holtmann. In addition, due to the pandemic, some clinics have been shut, staff absenteeism has been higher than average, and treatment programmes have been reduced – all trends which are very problematic for people in need of treatment.

Information is key!

The lockdown clearly showed us that mental illness is no longer a rarity but that many people, including many young people, have problems with their mental health. Much more assistance needs to be offered. A first step in the right direction is: Information! As much as possible.

At the end of the day„ mental illness is just another kind of illness, and we need to talk about it just as openly as we would about any other complaint. But, despite that, I still carry around a lot of shame.’ — Josephine, 26

Part of the problem for young people is the shame of talking about their illness. So part of the solution has to involve getting rid of the stigma and prejudice surrounding mental illness. ‘Although knowledge of mental health problems has improved in recent decades not only among the population in general, but also among educators and doctors, more education is still needed. Talking with those affected and encouraging them to share their useful experiences in dealing with mental health challenges can play a particular role here,’ says Professor Holtmann. Because, for many people, the term ‘mental illness’ still gives rise to many stereotypes. This is also fuelled by the media, be it in thrillers, where mentally ill people are portrayed as dangerous offenders, or in the portrayal of psychiatric institutions as dark, eerie places full of screaming patients. That is not what it’s like. The reality is completely different. Josephine, for example, laughs and tells me that her stay in hospital was the best break of her life. 

While the exceptional situation which prevailed during the pandemic was a very difficult time for many people, it nevertheless marked a turning point in the debate on mental illness. Because the sudden isolation and loneliness that pulled the rug from under the feet of so many young people has meant that ever more focus has been paid to the issue and it has received much more (media) attention. And that in turn has demonstrated that mental illness is a normal part of life. Nobody needs to be ashamed of it. Many young people are affected. We just need to finally start recognising it. When prejudices are overcome and stigmatisation becomes a thing of the past, no one will need to hide away. It is easier to discuss a topic when it is less tainted by shame and taboos, and this will (we hope) make it easier to bring it to the attention of those political leaders responsible for bringing about real change.
 

*Source: Deutsche Depressionshilfe

 

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Meet the author Leonie Kirstein (Member of the pool of European young journalists – Edition 2022)

"I am now in the final stages of my master's degree program “European Culture and Economy” which hopefully will take me to work in a European context and to be in contact with people of various nations and cultures. Being a part of the European Pool of Young Journalists allows me to make my voice heard and work towards a better future because I really believe in the importance of spaces where participation of young people in Europe is encouraged. The causes close to my heart are animal welfare, feminism, and equality."

 

This article reflects the views of the author only. The European Commission cannot be held responsible for it. The original version of the article was written in German.

 

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