World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on October 10. It was established by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) to raise awareness of mental and emotional health worldwide. The aim is to raise awareness of mental illness, reduce stigma and highlight ways to get support and help.
The day of action focuses on mental health, a topic that is often neglected in our society, although mental problems and disorders affect many people in Germany.
Mental health in Germany - current situation
Millions of people in Germany suffer from mental illnesses such as depressionanxiety disorders or addictions. Studies by health insurance companies show that around one third of the population will suffer from a mental illness requiring treatment in the course of their lives. mental illness is affected.
Mental health means more than just the absence of illness. It includes emotional stability, cognitive and communication skills, resilience and the ability to deal with stress and challenges in everyday life.
Mental illnesses - overview and definitions
Mental illnesses are multifaceted. They influence a person's thoughts, feelings and actions and can lead to significant impairments in everyday life.
Schizophrenia and other disorders
Schizophrenia is one of the most complex mental illnesses. It affects a person's perception, thinking, emotions and behavior. Typical symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, thought disorders, emotional flattening and cognitive impairments. In particular, those affected hear voices or are convinced that they are being followed or influenced.
These experiences often lead to anxiety, social withdrawal and a profound restriction of independence in everyday life. What is particularly difficult is that schizophrenia usually progresses in phases. Phases of relative stability alternate with acute phases of illness.
A stable daily routine, regular therapy, a supportive social environment and, if necessary, household help can help those affected to find structure and orientation in life again.
Bipolar disorders - life between extremes
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is characterized by severe mood swings. In manic phases, sufferers are overly active, hardly sleep, have increased self-confidence and make impulsive decisions.
In depressive phases, on the other hand, there is deep listlessness, sadness and despair.
The challenges lie in finding a balance and recognizing the phases of the disease at an early stage. A fixed daily structure, regular medication and therapeutic support are crucial. A home help can also provide valuable support here by helping to maintain routines in everyday life and avoid excessive demands.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, when thoughts and actions take over
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental illness that can have a massive impact on daily life. Those affected experience intrusive thoughts (obsessive thoughts) or feel compelled to perform certain actions over and over again (compulsive actions), such as frequently washing their hands, checking doors or counting objects.
These behaviors and psychological problems lead to stress, exhaustion and social isolation. A combination of behavioral therapy, drug treatment and support in everyday life, for example from a home help who provides security and structure, can help to alleviate the symptoms.
Eating disorders - between control and loss
Among the most common eating disorders include anorexia (anorexia nervosa), bulimia (binge eating disorder) and binge eating disorder (often accompanied by massive obesity). These disorders not only affect the body, but also mental well-being.
Those affected often have a distorted body image and develop extreme behaviors when dealing with food, which can have life-threatening consequences.
In addition to medical treatment and therapy, emotional support plays a key role. Home helpers or everyday companions can help to structure everyday life, prepare regular meals and gradually rebuild confidence in one's own body.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after severe stressful experiences, such as accidents, violence, war or abuse. Those affected experience flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety and avoidance behavior that severely restricts everyday life.
Early therapy, especially trauma therapy, is crucial. Support in the home environment can also be important, for example through domestic helpers who help those affected to regain security, stability and routine.
Personality disorders - when patterns determine life
Personality disorders manifest themselves through deeply rooted, rigid behavioral patterns that lead to conflicts with oneself and others. Examples include borderline personality disorder, narcissistic or dependent personality disorders.
The experience is often characterized by emotional instability, self-doubt and difficulties in relationships. Therapy and long-term support are essential here. In such cases, a home help can offer stability in everyday life by helping to maintain routines, manage tasks and promote contact with other people.
Dementia and cognitive disorders - mental illnesses in old age
Also dementia is also a mental illness, as it impairs thinking, memory and cognitive abilities. The need for care increases as the disease progresses.
Particularly in the early stages, a home help can help to maintain independence, promote orientation and avoid excessive demands.
For people with care degree 1 or care level 2 are entitled to care benefits in kind or care allowance which can be used to finance such services.
Challenges in everyday life with mental illness
Everyday life with mental illness is often characterized by challenges. Those affected suffer from stress, lack of motivation, social withdrawal and difficulties maintaining their independence.
Stress, listlessness and problems in life
Stress is one of the biggest risk factors for the development or worsening of mental illness. Constant stress, whether at work, in the family, due to financial worries or social pressure, can lead to exhaustion, sleep disorders and emotional overload. When the feeling of no longer being able to cope with the demands of life arises, many people fall into a vicious circle of tension, excessive demands and helplessness.
Prolonged stress not only affects our mental well-being, but also our physical well-being. The immune system is weakened, the ability to concentrate decreases and headaches, cardiovascular problems or stomach complaints can occur. Particularly dangerous is the so-called "burn-out", a form of total exhaustion that often occurs as a result of chronic overwork.
Lack of motivation is a key symptom of many mental illnesses, especially depression. Those affected lose interest in previous hobbies, avoid social contact and often find it difficult to carry out everyday tasks such as shopping, cooking or personal hygiene. Things that used to be taken for granted become insurmountable hurdles. These limitations can in turn lead to feelings of guilt, social withdrawal and a loss of self-esteem - a cycle that is difficult to break without support.
During this phase, help and support from other people is particularly important. Relatives, friends, therapists or even household helpers can relieve and motivate those affected and bring structure to their everyday lives. A domestic help not only helps with practical self-care, but also contributes to emotional stability through their presence and reliability.
Many people with mental health problems report that they have been able to regain confidence by taking small steps: fixed times of day for meals, short walks, simple household tasks or conversations about the day. These seemingly small rituals promote independence and provide support.
The environment also plays a decisive role. Understanding and cooperation within the family, open communication at work and knowing your own limits can help to recognize stress at an early stage and take countermeasures. Employers can contribute to mental health by offering flexible working hours, rest breaks and mental health training.
Anyone who notices that stress is getting out of hand should seek information and professional help at an early stage. There are numerous points of contact, from GPs and psychotherapists to advice centers and campaign groups, which draw attention to various support services around World Mental Health Day and during the campaign week.
Home helps can be a crucial link in this phase. They help to keep track of everyday life, accompany people to medical appointments or take on tasks that those affected are currently unable to do. In this way, they can relieve the burden on relatives and at the same time promote independence, a key factor in maintaining mental health.
Effects on the workplace and ability to work
Mental disorders are among the most common causes of incapacity to work today. Many sufferers have to take sick leave or give up their job. Employers are therefore called upon to design workplaces that promote health and raise awareness of mental health.
Need for care and care levels for mental illnesses
Not only physical, but also mental illnesses can lead to a need for care. People with mental health problems can apply for a apply for a care degreeif their independence is permanently impaired.
Requirements for care level 1 and care level 2
Care level 1 is awarded if there is a minor impairment of independence, while care level 2 requires a significant impairment. This is based on the assessment by the Medical Service (MDK). Areas such as cognitive and communicative abilities, self-care and coping with everyday life are examined.
Application to the care insurance fund and MDK assessment
The application for a care degree is submitted to the long-term care insurance fund. This is followed by an assessment by the MDK, which prepares an expert opinion. This decides on the need for care and the classification.
Evaluate cognitive and communication skills
Cognitive and communicative abilities play a central role, particularly in the case of mental illness. Restrictions in these areas can lead to classification in a higher care level.
Long-term care insurance benefits - entitlement and offers (extended)
Long-term care insurance is a central component of the German healthcare system and protects people who need support due to physical, mental or psychological illness. It helps to cushion the need for care, maintain independence for as long as possible and create an appropriate care situation.
Whether for depression, anxiety disorders, addiction, schizophrenia or other mental disorders: The entitlement to care services is not based on the type of illness, but on the actual need for care. The decisive factor is the extent to which a person's cognitive, communicative and mental abilities are impaired and the extent to which these limitations affect their everyday life.
Care allowance - financial support for relatives
The care allowance is one of the most important benefits of long-term care insurance. It is paid directly to the person in need of care if the care is provided by relatives, friends or neighbors.
This strengthens home care and allows those affected to remain in their familiar surroundings, a particularly important factor in the case of mental illness, where stability and familiar structures are crucial.
The amount of care allowance depends on the care level. There is an entitlement from care level 2. For care level 1, there is no care allowance, but you are entitled to the so-called relief amount (currently €131 per month), which can be used for home help, care or low-threshold support services.
This money can be used specifically to organize support in everyday life, for example through a home help who helps with shopping, cooking or organizing the household.
Care services - practical help from specialists and home helps
In addition to the care allowance, there are so-called care benefits in kind, which come into effect when a care service or a recognized home help takes over the care. The costs are settled directly with the care insurance fund.
These services are particularly helpful for people with mental illness who are dependent on support in certain areas of life but still want to retain as much independence as possible.
Examples are
- Help with personal hygiene and self-care,
- Support with household management,
- Accompaniment to medical appointments or therapy sessions,
- Support in structuring the day,
- emotional support and conversations in everyday life.
A well-trained home help can thus become a reliable caregiver who provides support and security. Especially for people with anxiety disorders or depression, this type of support contributes to their mental health and helps them to cope with daily life.
Combination of care allowance and care benefits in kind
In many cases, care allowance and care benefits in kind can be combined. This so-called combination benefit makes it possible for part of the care to be provided by relatives, while a care service or home help takes on certain tasks at the same time.
This creates flexibility and relieves the burden on both the caregiver and the person concerned.
The care diary - an important tool for assessing care needs
A care diary is the key to a fairer assessment and a realistic classification into the appropriate care level for many of those affected.
All care activities and support services are entered in the care diary over a period of several days or weeks, i.e. any help that is needed in everyday life.
These include:
- Support with personal hygiene,
- Reminder of medication,
- Accompaniment during therapy or medical appointments,
- Help with cooking, shopping or household chores,
- Motivation and emotional support for mental health problems,
- Supervision for behavioral problems or cognitive impairments.
Especially in the case of mental illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia or addiction, the need for help is often invisible. The care diary helps to make these invisible limitations comprehensible, for example listlessness, disorientation, anxiety or problems with self-care.
Assessment by the Medical Review Board (MDK)
The assessment by the Medical Service (MDK) is the decisive step in the application process. The experts use a fixed points system to assess the extent to which independence is impaired in six areas of life:
- Mobility
- Cognitive and communicative skills
- Behavioral and psychological problems
- Self-sufficiency
- Dealing with the demands of illness
- Organization of everyday life and social contacts
Point 3 in particular, behavior and mental health problems, plays a major role in mental illness. Here, the frequency and extent to which emotional or cognitive impairments affect everyday life is assessed.
The experts examine not only physical, but also mental limitations: for example, listlessness, orientation difficulties, anxiety, confusion or depressive episodes.
If these impairments are documented in a comprehensible manner, for example with a care diary, there is a better chance of realistically assessing the actual need for care.
Communication with the care insurance fund and right of objection
After the assessment, the MDK prepares an expert report which is sent to the care insurance fund. On this basis, a decision is made on the level of care and benefits.
If you receive a decision that you do not agree with, you can lodge an appeal within one month. It is helpful to submit the care diary, medical documents and additional information.
A tip: Many care support centers or advice centers offer free help with the application and appeal process. They also provide support in meeting the right requirements for long-term care insurance benefits.
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How home helps contribute to coping with mental illness
Home helpers play a central role in supporting people with mental illness. They not only help with practical tasks, but also play a key role in helping those affected to restructure their everyday lives and establish a stable routine. For illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorders, addiction or schizophrenia in particular, reliability, regularity and trust are crucial factors for successful coping.
The work of a home help goes far beyond traditional cleaning or shopping. It creates a safe environment where people with mental health problems feel cared for and can subtly promote mental health, especially through patience, empathy and structure.
Structuring everyday life and promoting self-sufficiency
Many mental illnesses are accompanied by a loss of structure. Those affected have difficulty planning tasks or setting priorities. The day loses its points of orientation and the feeling that nothing can be accomplished increases the lack of motivation.
This is where home helps can provide targeted support:
- They help to structure the day by introducing fixed times for meals, walks or housework.
- They remind you of doctor or therapy appointments and ensure that important procedures are not forgotten.
- They motivate them to take on small tasks themselves in order to maintain a sense of independence.
These seemingly simple steps have a big impact. Regularity creates security and stability, which in turn helps to reduce stress and excessive demands.
A home help not only provides support with self-care, but also promotes cognitive and communication skills. Through conversations, cooking together or small planning tasks, thinking is activated and concentration is encouraged together.
Exchange with relatives and relief in everyday care
For relatives of mentally ill people, everyday care is often emotionally and organizationally challenging. They bear responsibility, worry and often reach their limits themselves. Many report stress, exhaustion and the feeling of constantly having to function.
This is where a home help offers valuable relief:
- It takes over everyday tasks so that relatives have time for themselves again.
- It can act as an intermediary between the person in need of care, the relatives and, if necessary, the care service.
- Her regular presence enables her to notice changes in the behavior or mood of the person in her care at an early stage and pass them on to relatives or professionals.
This form of support makes a significant contribution to stabilizing the overall care situation. Relatives can concentrate on emotional closeness, while the home help takes care of everyday tasks - a sensible division of labor that leads to a better quality of life for everyone involved.
Domestic helpers as a link between care, everyday life and mental health
Especially in the case of mental illness, where the boundaries between care and social support are often blurred, home helps play an important mediating role. They are often the ones who are in closest contact with the person affected and are best able to perceive everyday changes.
For example, a person with depression starts to get up regularly and eat breakfast together again, a seemingly small but significant improvement. An attentive home help can recognize such progress, encourage it and pass it on to therapists or relatives.
At the same time, home helpers can help prevent crises by watching for signs of excessive demands or withdrawal. This continuous observation is particularly valuable because mental illness often occurs in waves.
Promoting independence and integration into everyday life
The aim of all support is to enable those affected to live as independently as possible again. The home help accompanies this process. They do not do everything for the person concerned, but with them. In this way, independence is promoted step by step.
Examples of everyday support are:
- Plan and do the shopping together,
- Guidance with laundry or cooking,
- Accompaniment to visits to the authorities, doctors' appointments or events,
- Motivation for walks or activities during the Mental Health Action Week.
These small experiences of success strengthen self-confidence and show that a fulfilling life is possible even with a mental illness.
Significance for care level and benefits
Home help can also be officially recognized as part of an existing care degree and billed via care benefits in kind or the relief amount.
For care level 1 and care level 2 in particular, such services can be a great help in meeting support needs in the home environment without the need for an inpatient stay.
Care insurance companies are increasingly recognizing the value of home help, especially in cases of mental illness, where emotional stability and daily living skills are just as important as physical care.
A contribution to mental health
A good home help is more than just a helping hand, it is a support for mental health. It creates reliability, reduces stress, provides orientation and gives the feeling of not being alone.
Especially in difficult phases of life, when listlessness prevails or everyday life seems overwhelming, such support can be the first step back to a self-determined life.
By combining care, therapy and social support, home helps make a valuable contribution to stabilizing people with mental health problems. They build bridges between the need for care and quality of life.
Action week and events surrounding World Mental Health Day
Numerous events and campaigns take place in Germany around World Mental Health Day. Many cities are taking part in the Mental Health Action Week, organized by the Mental Health Action Alliance.
Action alliance and information services
The action alliance bundles information and offers services for those affected, relatives and professionals. The topic of mental health is brought into the public eye in lectures, workshops and runs.
Exchange and support options for those affected
Exchange and self-help groups are important points of contact. Many organizations offer e-mail advice, telephone hotlines and online services for people with mental health problems.
Tips for sufferers and relatives
Mental illnesses pose major challenges not only for the person affected, but often also for their relatives. Everyday life changes, routines break down and there is a great need for support, emotionally, organizationally and sometimes also financially. Many people initially do not know who to turn to or what benefits they are entitled to.
Therapy offers, support, questions and help
Early treatment is crucial for mental illnesses. GPs, psychotherapists and advice centers can help with questions about treatment and care levels.
The care insurance fund or the medical service also provide information on requirements, applications and benefits.
Telephone counseling 24/7: In acute emergencies
In acute emergencies in which you feel overwhelmed or on the verge of a breakdown, the 24-hour telephone counseling service in Germany is there to help you. You can reach the telephone counseling service on the free numbers 0800/111 0 111 or 0800/111 0 22. Please use this service in acute emergency situations, it is free of charge and the counselors can give you support and initial advice around the clock.
Conclusion: Focus on mental health and support options
World Mental Health Day is a reminder that mental health is a key issue in our society. Those affected, relatives and professionals should work together to strengthen mental health and make help accessible.
Home helps make an important contribution here by helping people with mental illness to structure their everyday lives, promote independence and stabilize the care situation.
Care degree, care allowance, care benefits in kind and other care insurance benefits are important instruments for ensuring the necessary support.
The day of action and the week of action offer an opportunity to focus together on what really counts in life: Health, coping, sharing and mental well-being.
