It is important that relatives take illnesses such as depression seriously, says virologist Hendrik Streeck
Quelle: Getty Images/Sean Gladwell, /picture alliance/dpa-Zentralbild/Getty Images/Sean Gladwell
High phases of happiness or severe depression are human: But at a certain point you need professional help, warns the virologist and WELT TV expert Hendrik Streeck. The most common disorders include anxiety disorders and addictions.
GSTDs, heart attacks, dementia – every Friday at 5:40 p.m., Professor Dr. Hendrik Streeck from the Bonn University Hospital and WELT presenter Franca Lehfeldt on medical questions and phenomena suitable for everyday use on WELT-TV. This time it’s about mental illness.
WELT: Mr. Streeck, one third of all German adults suffer from a mental illness, and various forms of depression are also very widespread. At what point are you no longer just sad and out of tune – but should you seek help?
Hendrik Streeck: Mental illnesses are a very broad field. Feeling highs of happiness or severe depression is only human, but if these negative feelings, depression, and loss of interest last for more than two weeks, then it’s time to see a doctor.
WELT: The fact that one third of Germans suffer from a mental disorder sounds like a lot. What are the Germans missing?
Streeck: A third is indeed a lot – for comparison: a similar number of people in Germany suffer from high blood pressure – and significantly more is being done. The three most common mental illnesses are anxiety disorders, mood disorders such as depression and addictions. The symptoms sometimes appear together.
WELT: Why is it so important that we treat it appropriately?
Streeck: Mental illnesses are real illnesses and should therefore be treated adequately. Mental health has a major impact on quality of life, performance and social participation. For example, we can lose contact with our circle of friends due to a mental illness such as depression – and then we enter a vicious circle.
WELT: It is often still difficult for outsiders and relatives to find the right way to deal with a mental illness. What constitutes a good approach?
Streeck: It is important that relatives take the disease seriously. In the case of depression, one is well advised not to attribute the aggressive behavior or withdrawal of the ill person to oneself. We should then try to show the sick person patience and understanding – and see how we can help.
WELT: How can this help look like?
Streeck: This can vary greatly from case to case. If desired, we may be able to support the person in finding professional help such as a therapy place. Real depression often doesn’t go away on its own. But it is also important to say that we should of course keep an eye on our own health, because supporting those affected can be quite stressful. When in doubt, we have to set limits.
WELT: Especially in the dark season, many people suffer from winter depression. Are there ways in which we can minimize the risk of falling ill – and maybe even prevent it?
Streeck: We should really listen to ourselves, and then we should find the necessary phases of relaxation. This can be meditation or yoga. Nutrition is also an important component of mental health.
WELT HEALTH every Friday at 5.40 p.m. on WELT. After the broadcast, the program is also available in the media library and the TV app available.