Mental health in focus: Depression Day in Mainfranken!

Mental health in focus: Depression Day in Mainfranken!

Around one in eight people in Bavaria suffers from depression, and the situation is no different in our region. Around 1.45 million Bavarians were affected by this in 2023, making up 11.97 percent of the population. This is a serious issue that affects not only mental health but also society as a whole. Mental Health Day takes place on Friday, October 10th, initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health and an integral part of our calendar since 1992. The aim of this day is to draw attention to the often underestimated illness of depression.

Radiogong also reports on a current survey in the German Health Atlas, which shows that around 12 percent of the population in Mainfranken suffers from depression. People in the Main-Spessart district are particularly affected, where the number is even over 13 percent. In Würzburg the proportion is the lowest in the region at around ten percent. The Kitzingen and Würzburg districts are also affected, with values ​​of almost 12 percent.

A growing awareness

Times are challenging. After the strict Corona measures, the numbers of depression have decreased somewhat, but social awareness of mental health has improved significantly. AOK Bayern emphasizes that exam pressure, work stress and family stress often contribute to psychological problems. However, many sufferers hesitate to seek help, and this is worrying because early help and open discussions can be crucial for a positive development.

Annette Lutz from AOK Bayern also emphasizes the need to create easily accessible and innovative offers for people with mental illnesses. “We have to be sensitive enough to make it easier for those affected to get help,” she says. Thanks to increasing public attention, younger generations are showing openness when it comes to the topic of mental health.

The challenge of loneliness

But the challenges of our time go beyond depression. A recent study shows that loneliness and social isolation also have a major impact on our mental health. 43 percent of 14 to 24 year olds report loneliness, while only 16 percent of the older generations find it stressful. This poses the risk that psychological problems will continue to be taboo in society.

We should also pay important attention to gender. Men are less likely to seek help and therefore are often less likely to be diagnosed with depression. Almost 7,500 men and around 2,800 women died by suicide in 2021 - an alarming number that shows a need for action. The social psychiatric service in Germany offers free advice and support for people in mental difficulties, and this should be a point of contact for all those affected.

In summary, it shows that on Mental Health Day you shouldn't just look at the numbers and statistics. It is important to develop awareness and break down barriers so that people are encouraged to seek help and speak openly about their concerns. Because at the end of the day, it's about supporting each other and focusing on mental health.