During our project, we were fortunate enough to interview a psychotherapist with many years of experience. She now works as a lecturer at a higher education institution, but still has professional experience and is keen to share it.

We wanted to hear her views on the following topics:

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Dealing with relatives: she is very pleased that we have thought of the relatives. This is not a matter of course and, unfortunately, they are too often forgotten. It is important to involve them, as there is a co-dependency, as with the relatives of alcoholics. Many relatives do not admit to themselves that they also need help and therefore do not dare to accept or ask for it. However, it is highly recommended that relatives seek out a point of contact, such as a group session or similar, in order to process the illness, feelings of guilt, fears, and other emotions and not jeopardize their own health. In psychotherapy, some professionals think systemically, which means that family members are invited to participate in discussions or the professional conducts a discussion with them every few months. This must take place with their consent.

It is fatal to believe that children do not notice mental illness and therefore to exclude them. Whenever possible, they should be involved, because they understand a great deal on an emotional level and can be easily reached. Of course, this must be done in an age-appropriate manner. There are resources such as picture books on the subject of depression that explain the illness or similar things that are helpful. It is very important for children to become resilient so that their development is not disrupted.

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Social perspective: It is often difficult for parents in particular to accept this type of illness. Many accusations are made and it is difficult to understand why a “well-protected child” has developed a mental disorder. Since the illness still has a negative image in society and is not accepted, it is all the more difficult for those affected and their families to accept it. There are cases where people say, “I wish I had cancer.” Of course, not because it would be better or easier, but because it is accepted in society, you don't get blamed, and you are even showered with sympathy. In order to minimize or even eliminate such statements, a lot of work would have to be put into education in society. The topic would have to be destigmatized, people would have to be given a better understanding of the disease, and they would have to be encouraged to accept it as they would any other disease, such as a broken leg.

Gender-specific: Our survey showed that many people assumed that hormones are an important trigger for the fact that many more women suffer from depression than men. While working on the theory, we came across discussions about whether this can be proven or not. Many say that there are several reasons and that the big picture must be considered. 
The psychotherapist also comments that the causes are usually multi-causal. However, she also sees an important point in the transitions that a woman or man experiences in life, which can lead to difficulties. These can be expectations of a perfect mother-father role, new life circumstances after childbirth, or the generally high expectations in our society. Such transitions can interact with other factors and then lead to depression. She sees a major influence in our performance-oriented society, which can generally promote depression. The expectations that society places on women and men were named as the most common trigger in our survey.

 

In her previous professional life, she observed that women tend to talk more deeply and are able to describe their emotions and moods in detail. This was less common among men. She sees a difference in the fact that some men suffer differently than women do, and that this knowledge is still not widely known. Men are more prone to overstimulation, anger, and insomnia. They are more likely to be prescribed aggression therapy or addiction therapy and only later seek psychotherapy. When asked whether men need different therapy than women, she said that every person needs individualized therapy. It is important to listen and work out together what the respective issue is, without directly involving gender. Family doctors often have to work with specialists, as they have broader expertise, such as in adjusting medication.

 

Hormones are not considered the main trigger for postpartum depression, as men can also be affected by this type of depression. It is much more important to recognize that childbirth brings with it many changes and expectations. In general, childbirth is romanticized today, but complications can arise and the overall experience can be underestimated. Childbirth is not only beautiful, but also brings with it many changes and challenges. Genetic factors and individual circumstances can ultimately tip the balance. Here, too, we see how many factors interact. Sleep deprivation plays a significant role in this phase of life, and psychological and physical changes can also have an impact. Furthermore, the environment, for example, whether it is the first child in the family and circle of friends, plays a central role. The new responsibilities and changes in the working world should not be forgotten. Working part-time, returning to work, or even giving up work can be important factors. One's own ideas and certain personality traits, such as perfectionism, can further exacerbate the situation.

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What she would like to convey:

The topic should be widely recognized; we must try to understand rather than judge. Removing the taboo surrounding it would be a desirable goal, and education is needed to achieve this. An important tip she would like to share is to be mindful.