CDU causes nationwide outrage with psychiatry law!

CDU causes nationwide outrage with psychiatry law!

A short video from the CDU Hesse is causing quite a stir in the political landscape. On June 26, the party released a 30-second clip on reforming the Mental Health Assistance Act, which has now accumulated more than 300,000 views and almost 2,700 comments. These reactions clearly show how sensitive the topic of mental illness is in society. In the video, Ralf-Nobert Bartelt, health policy spokesman for the CDU state parliamentary group, explains that seriously psychiatrically ill people pose a danger to themselves and others, which further fuels the debate. Critics accuse the CDU of using this to stigmatize mentally ill people and lead them down a dangerous path. These concerns are not unfounded: many people suffering from mental illness feel excluded and are afraid to seek help for fear of stigmatization. The problem of stigmatization is even described as a “second disease” that puts a lot of strain on those affected and often prevents them from leading an equal life like that Medical Journal reported.

The CDU has responded to the strong criticism and published a second video in which it claims to want to clear up misunderstandings. Bartelt said: “I regret publishing the video in this form.” Nevertheless, the discussion remains heated, especially after users drew parallels to the Nazi era, when mentally ill people were registered and persecuted. The CDU has rejected such comparisons as inappropriate, but the issue remains a hot topic in the political debate.

Legal reform and its reactions

Far-reaching changes are planned that also affect the handling of addiction and dependency disorders. These should now also be classified as psychological disorders. The draft law also stipulates that psychiatric hospitals must inform the police when patients are discharged who could pose a potential threat to others. Critics fear that such measures could not only jeopardize trust between doctors and patients, but could also lead to stigmatization of those affected Frankfurter Rundschau reported.

The events surrounding the CDU are part of the so-called “seven-point plan”, which was formulated in response to the incidents in Aschaffenburg, Hamburg and Hanau. Health Minister Diana Stolz has emphasized the need for a differentiated view of the issue, while the Greens and Left see the reporting requirement as a vote of no confidence against the mentally ill. The SPD has also commented and pointed out that there will be no lists or registers, for which the Jusos have asked them to improve.

A divided image of society

Given current events, the debate around mental illness is also being noticed by wider society. According to the WHO's World Mental Health Report, almost one billion people worldwide live with mental illness. The feeling of exclusion, combined with shame and fear of the diagnosis, is a real obstacle for many affected people who should urgently seek help. The Mental Health Action Alliance has set itself the goal of reducing stigma and, among other things, calls for governments to implement destigmatization guidelines, particularly with regard to suicide prevention.

This is the reality: Stigmatization is a closely linked problem that not only affects those affected themselves, but also their relatives. Education and destigmatization efforts are overdue, and politicians' words and actions should be carefully considered so as not to increase the risk of further stigmatization. Society is faced with the challenge of not only rethinking the legal framework, but also improving coexistence and listening to the concerns of people with mental illnesses.