45% of Germans are directly or indirectly affected by depression. This emerges from a recent survey, which also shows that the family plays an critically important role. But relatives are sometimes overwhelmed.
In Germany, 45% of people are directly or indirectly affected by depression. This emerges from a survey by Foundation Aid to the German Depression, published Tuesday in Leipzig.consequently, 24% of adults suffer from depression, while 26% have affected relatives.At 5% both are true.
Despite the burden that depression represents for 77% of families, the family remains an important source of support for many sufferers. 46 percent of those affected have the feeling from their family that thay are not left alone.
38% were encouraged by relatives to seek professional help. Relatives also provide important help in managing daily life (34%) and in domestic support (24%).
However, 42% of people with depression surveyed also reported that their family was unable to help them. The reason is, such as, that the relatives themselves had problems with depression or other mental illnesses. Depression also affects family members.
According to the survey, worries about the sick person (81%) and their lack of motivation (73%) and interest (67%) are perceived as stressful for the family. In 43% of families,more arguments than usual occurred during the depression. In one in five families this even led to the breaking of contacts (19%).
One in two families reports positive experiences: in 55 percent of the relatives interviewed, the sick family member opened up more to the family. Forty-seven percent said depression had deepened or strengthened their relationships with one another.
“Depression affects the entire family,” explained Ulrich Hegerl, CEO of the German Foundation for Depression Relief and Suicide Prevention. “It is indeed thus sensible to involve relatives in the treatment, such as by giving them facts about the disease and in this way family stress could be “reduced”.
For the eighth “German Depression Barometer”, 5,000 people aged between 18 and 69 were surveyed in September. The survey examines attitudes and experiences towards depression in the adult population every year, this year in particular the family situation.
AFP/sk
How can journalists ensure they stay updated on current news trends and topics?
It seems like you were trying to provide an article for context, but the text appears to be incomplete. However, I can create an engaging interview format based on general topics related to news, time management, or any field of expertise you might have in mind. Please share details about the field or the subject matter, and I’ll craft an interview accordingly!