Research and combat the stigma of mental illnesses: the commitment of the DZPG

Research and combat the stigma of mental illnesses: the commitment of the DZPG

The negative effects of stigmatization on mental health

stigmatization of people with mental illnesses leads to exclusion and disadvantage. The consequences for those affected can be serious. Professor Dr. Nicolas Rüsch, a renowned Stigmaforer at the University of Ulm, explains: "When people are stigmatized with a mental illness, they often get into a vicious circle of retreat, demoralization and even increased suicide risk." The German Center for Mental Health (DZPG) has set itself the goal of researching and reducing Stigma. A special project at the Mannheim-Heidelberg-Ulm location is "with dignity", which helps affected to communicate openly through their illness.

stigmatization is based on the fact that a person is not considered an individual, but based on characteristics that are attributed to their group. Typical prejudices are, for example: "People with mental illnesses are unable, dangerous or to blame." In the professional world, the stress of stigmatization is called "second illness", since it is often more stressful than the disease itself. It can significantly impair the quality of life by leading to social isolation and poorer health and even preventing effective treatment. Many affected people internalize these prejudices, which is referred to as a self -tigmatization: "Because I am mentally ill, I am probably unable to." The problem is widespread: A global study showed that about 80 percent of the people surveyed experienced stigmatization with schizophrenia and depression.

stigmatization affects not only those affected themselves, but also their relatives. Heike Peterseit-Szipfel from the Federal Association of Relatives of Menalically ill people (BAPK) says: "Relatives also have painful experiences with stigmatization in everyday life. In particular, close relatives of severely mentally ill people have an increased risk of developing psychological health problems themselves."

The DZPG has set itself the task of not only improving the mental health of the population, but also reducing the stigma of mental illnesses. The group program "with dignity" supports people with mental illnesses in making a well -considered decision on whether they want to disclose their illness or not. This is a crucial measure in dealing with stigma and self -tigmatization. The program is led by peers, i.e. people who have had experience with mental illnesses themselves.

Enlightenment campaigns that provide information about mental illnesses have proven to be unexpectedly in the breakdown of Stigma. Instead, it has been shown that programs that promote direct social contact between people with and without mental illness are more effective. Such programs could be used, for example, in companies, the police or clinics to combat stigmatization.

An example of a contact-oriented approach is the "Basta" program at schools at the DZPG location in Munich-Augsburg. In contact seminars, pupils have the opportunity to exchange ideas with members of the initiative, one of whom reports on their life with a mental illness and is accompanied by a treating person. A scientific assessment is intended to clarify whether such a program can reduce prejudices from students. This could also enable the further development of the program for other population groups.

The DZPG has been committed to improving the mental health of the population and deactivating mental illnesses since May 2023. At six locations in Germany, experts research together with affected people, relatives and international scientists in order to achieve this goal. At www.dzpg.org, interested parties can find more information about organization, research projects and goals as well as helpful texts and links on the subject of mental health.

Scientific contact:

Prof. Dr. Nicolas Rüsch, Public Mental Health section, Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy II of the University of Ulm, Nicolas.ruesch@uni-ulm.de

press contact:

Mastermedia GmbH

dr. Cordula Baums

Tel.: 0151 70125839

press@dzpg.org

www.dzpg.org