Lena Kuhlmann is a psychotherapist and has been writing on her blog for several years about her daily work on mental illness, as she realized that many people know very little about it. Now she has the book Psyche? Everyone has! which explains very precisely and quite clearly what treatment methods are there and what they are for, who to contact, if there is a need and how long to wait for appointments. The whole thing is peppered with anecdotes and real stories from her practice and she also gives a lot of practical tips for everyday life. In the interview, she talks about her everyday life as a therapist.
What do you mean? Are we all really "psycho"?
LENA KUHLMANN (L.K.): That's not easy to answer, because the boundaries between mentally healthy and mentally ill often run into each other like watercolors. As an expert, it is not always easy to classify the behavior or feelings of the other person. A good indication, however, is the pressure of suffering, that is, to what extent man is impaired by his symptoms in his everyday life. In this context, I also want to emphasize that none of us have a guarantee that we will not get mentally ill. Me neither. Statistically, every third German is affected by a mental illness at least once in his life. And those who are not sick themselves, certainly have an affected person in the family or circle of acquaintances. That's why it's so important that we talk more about this topic and improve the care options.
How does anyone become mentally ill?
L.K. : There are many different explanations for the development of mental illnesses and therefore very different expert opinions. Physicians look for the cause in the body, behavioral therapists, however, start from incorrectly learned behavior. And we depth psychologists look at patients' past patients, looking for inner conflicts. Some people can be sure that there are always several factors in the development of mental illnesses.
At what age do most people have mental health problems?
L.K. : In general, transitions are always a challenge for the psyche, such as the transition to a secondary school, entry into working life or the birth of the first child. Sometimes it even starts with school enrollment. And then there are diseases for which the likelihood of being affected increases with age. This is the case with depression, for example.
Are women and men equally affected by mental illness?
LENA KUHLMANN: More women go to the therapist than men. However, it is believed that the dark figure is relatively high among men. Because the disturbance is not recorded, if no help is claimed.
Are mental illnesses still a taboo topic in our society?
L.K. : I think so. Many people who talk openly about it feel exposed to the critical remarks of the environment. Then it says, one should "pull it together" or it is rumored in the back that one or the one who has not had "all cups in the closet for a long time". Often there is uncertainty in the social environment as to how to deal with a mentally ill person and, unfortunately, mental illness is still associated with weakness. In addition, the image of the completely crazy psychiatry patient is being fed on by the film industry, just as psychiatry itself is repeatedly portrayed as a place of horror and the treatment providers as even more sick than their patients. Nevertheless, I am pleased that the topic is currently experiencing a bit more interest in the media.
Can one cure a mental illness completely?
L.K. : Of course that depends on the disease and also on the question of what is meant by "healing". I once had a patient who was suffering from an anxiety disorder and hoped that our cooperation would completely eliminate his fears. Then you have to explain that of course this is not possible, because fear is part of life and because everyone feels fears. However, a therapy can help to get back into everyday life. Instead of healing, we therapists prefer to talk about one or more therapeutic goals. As a rule, these are developed together with the patient (s) at the beginning of a therapy.
Do patients sometimes come to you and think they have long since diagnosed their problem? (For example, someone who thinks he's depressed but has a hard time?)
L.K. : In my experience, many people have already had an appointment with us before an appointment. Google asked for his opinion. Some of them then have a very accurate assessment of their disorder and others are very worried because they are reading testimonials and thereby totally overestimating their suffering. There are such and such. For me, less the diagnosis is interesting, but much more the person behind it and what they want to change in their lives. The sooner someone comes, the better. Then you can possibly prevent a possible negative development or consequential damage beforehand.
You are certainly constantly being asked by friends or even unknown people for advice, annoying sometimes?
L.K. : That's not always that easy. Sometimes I am asked by strangers people at the doorstep at a celebration for a quick recovery tip. Quite often, I am contacted by people seeking advice about the blog. It clearly shows how desperate many people are. Of course, if someone in your circle of friends has a crisis, I try to help and support them - but never to treat them. This can not be reconciled with the therapeutic attitude, since one is involved in a personal relationship.
Are mental health problems a phenomenon of our time or have they received less attention in the past?
L.K. : It is assumed that mental illness has not increased, but that the view has changed. In this context, there are, for example, changed diagnostic criteria. Luckily, the public interest in the subject has also increased, making it more obvious how many affected people are among us.
Do you have a special tip for mothers who have a lot on their hands and little time for themselves? How can they take care of their mental health in a targeted and timely manner?
L.K. : I'm a huge fan of yoga. Even short units have a positive effect on body and mind. I also like mindfulness exercises. It is relatively easy to integrate into everyday life. And then I recommend getting help and support. Because only when you are at peace with yourself, you can also be good for others.
Thank you, dear Lena!
