Hello Mr. Kremer, First of all, thank you very much for taking the time to answer a few questions.

 

Before you became managing director of Prof. Dr. Eggers Foundation, you worked in adult psychiatry for 10 years. How badly did you feel the burden of stigmatization for those affected and their relatives?

 

Discrimination and stigmatization are to be seen as a second diagnosis, so to speak, which also put those affected in a difficult position and consequently usually put a heavy burden on them. When looking for their own living space, looking for training and / or regular employment, etc., those affected automatically have poorer chances, encounter incomprehension and are rejected.

 

How and where can those affected and their relatives get help, ie are there specific points of contact / assistance for those affected or their relatives before a mental illness is diagnosed?

 

First of all, anyone affected can turn to their family doctor and ask for support. If necessary, these can issue referrals to (child and youth) psychiatrists / psychotherapists. Young people and their relatives can also contact the youth welfare office responsible for them and / or the outpatient departments of child and adolescent psychiatry. Adults have the option of social psychiatric services, social psychiatric centers, general psychiatric outpatient clinics, etc. to contact. It is important to get support and help from these offices. If necessary, diagnostics should be carried out as early as possible so that successful therapy can then be initiated. Early detection plays an important role in both somatic and mental illnesses.  

 

How does stigma affect the treatment process?

 

Quite a few patients stigmatize themselves because of the external disadvantage, feel worthless, have a low self-esteem. Of course, this makes the treatment process more complicated and difficult. It is important for those affected to generate a sense of achievement, and in doing so, they should generally be positively encouraged and encouraged.

 

Why do you think that mental illness is still so negatively burdened today?

 

Often, outsiders are unable to grasp the dimensions of mental illnesses, play them down or, conversely, fear people with mental illnesses. There is still a great deal of ignorance about the various forms of mental illness in the general population. Of course, some people are also afraid of becoming mentally ill themselves. Further intensive clarification is required here.

 

How important do you find the "ROCKEN HILFT" campaign, which tries to raise awareness of the topic and supports your foundation? In your opinion, what is special about "ROCKEN HILFT"?

 

The Prof. Dr. Eggers Foundation supports younger mentally ill people between the ages of 15 and 30, precisely the target group that usually goes to rock concerts in terms of age. The patients have the opportunity to experience such an event without fear and also to get to know their peers. Conversely, visitors can also make contact with mentally ill people and thus experience that the common prejudices are not correct. People with mental illness are just as normal as anyone else. It is naive and stupid to marginalize these people. On the contrary, these people - like everyone else - deserve our respect and support!

Campaigns like ROCKEN HILFT are extremely important for patients, but also for professional service providers like our foundation. Such actions draw attention to the situation of those affected, thereby reducing prejudices. In this respect, Help Moves e. V. or ROCKEN HILFT the greatest thanks. With the potential donations, we can also finance other offers that would not be feasible from the usual funding. 1000 thanks and good luck!

 

Interview conducted by Jennifer Pamperin