Suche
Mein Konto
Society in transition: This is how the way we deal with mental illnesses is changing
The article examines the development of attitudes towards mental illnesses in Germany from 1990 to 2020, particularly depression and schizophrenia.
Society in transition: This is how the way we deal with mental illnesses is changing
The public image of mental illness has changed significantly over the past few decades. There is a dynamic change in the population's perception, particularly with regard to depression and schizophrenia, as various studies have shown. A recent article by Mirror examines how these attitudes developed between 1990 and 2020 and what social reactions followed.
What is particularly striking is that depression is perceived far less negatively today than it was a few decades ago. A lot has happened here in the last 30 years: understanding of depressive conditions has increased, while schizophrenia remains increasingly stigmatized. People with depression are seen more in connection with everyday experiences, while schizophrenia is often seen as something alien to be avoided.
Different perceptions
According to the German Long-Term Study on the Stigma of Mental Illness, the development of these different perceptions is closely linked to media reporting and the understanding of biological disease mechanisms. A trend is emerging: psychotherapists and psychiatrists are increasingly being recommended as contact points for help, while support from spiritual helpers such as priests has decreased significantly. This shift shows that the healthcare system is increasingly relying on science-based therapies.
Another interesting observation is the different levels of social acceptance. While depressive illnesses are now less taboo for many people, the stigmatization of schizophrenia and addictions remains strong. Here, the willingness to get in touch with affected people is declining. This development raises the question of what measures need to be taken to sustainably promote understanding of serious mental illnesses and increase acceptance.
Research perspective
Which in an article pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov The differences in attitudes mentioned above show that society's perception of mental illness is not rigid, but is subject to constant change. Society's focus seems to be shifting to the "milder" illnesses, which could be a disadvantage for the more serious illnesses such as schizophrenia. A rethink is necessary here in order to target destigmatization strategies specifically to more serious mental illnesses and not just to the “milder” cases.
In summary, it can be said that the topic of mental illnesses, especially depression and schizophrenia, will continue to play a central role in the future. Social attitudes and the associated distribution of resources in the healthcare system should be monitored and adjusted. Finally, we need to continually challenge our views on mental health in order to give those affected the support they need.
For further information on the developments in the perception of mental illnesses and their social acceptance, see the article pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov worth reading. This enables a clear view of the dynamics within society that shape our understanding of mental illness.