45 percent of people living in Germany are affected by depression, according to a new survey by the German Foundation for Depression Help and Suicide Prevention.

Poor mental health is common in Germany

The results of a new survey from the German Foundation for Depression Help and Suicide Prevention have revealed the prevalence of depression in Germany today.

According to the survey, 45 percent of the German population is affected by depression. This figure includes the 24 percent of people who are personally experiencing depression and the 26 percent of people who have a loved one suffering from depression. 5 percent of people find themselves in both groups.

To assemble the so-called “Depression Barometer”, the organisation surveyed 5.000 people aged between 18 and 69 years old.

Many of those affected by depression cited their family as their main support. 46 percent said having their family’s support made them feel less alone and 38 percent said their family members encouraged them to seek professional help.

However, 42 percent said their family members couldn’t help them. In this case, the main reason cited was that family members were also struggling with their mental health.

Which mental health services are available in Germany?

In Germany, the costs of therapy and counselling are covered by statutory health insurance. However, it can still be hard to find help.

While 90 percent of people in Germany are covered by statutory health insurance, only a small number of the country’s qualified therapists have the licence required to practice in the statutory system and private systems.

The number of people seeking mental health support has risen sharply in recent years and therapists with a licence to practise in the statutory system cannot keep up. As a result, it has become common for those seeking help to use the Kostenerstattungsverfahren (refund procedure).

If people covered by statutory health insurance plans can prove that they have contacted around 20 therapists none can take on a new patient, their health insurance company may give them permission to visit a private therapist and have their costs covered.

However, many have pointed out that using the Kostenerstattungsverfahren system is a complicated and arduous process, which can be particularly challenging for people who may be struggling with everyday organisation and need urgent mental health support.

Those looking for urgent help can call Germany’s suicide hotline (0800 181 0771) and Telefon Seelsorge (0800 111 0111) for advice in English about where to get help.

Thumb image credit: DimaBerlin / Shutterstock.com