Bertha Benz Lecture

“Assuming responsibility in times of crisis – this concerns me.” The psychologist Prof. Dr. Eva-Lotta Brakemeier, Chair of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at the University of Greifswald, researches the use of personalized psychotherapy in treating depression, focusing in particular on the effects of crises on mental health. “We are living in times of great change; this could even be called an epochal watershed,” the psychologist stated, pointing out pandemics, geopolitical conflicts, social polarization, demographic change, the digital transformation, and the climate crisis as examples of this far-reaching process.

At the outpatient clinic of the Center for Psychological Psychotherapy (ZPP) at the University of Greifswald, headed by Brakemeier, the persons seeking help are also asked in the course of diagnosis whether they feel burdened by societal problems. “Almost 80 percent express concern, especially with regard to climate change, social inequality, or increasing animosity between people,” Brakemeier said. “27 percent report being burdened by the climate crisis.”

In view of these figures, she continued, it is very important to always take crises into account when treating depression. A strategy used in treatment at the ZPP in Greifswald is universally applicable as a preventive measure: “Rather than reacting with typical behavior patterns such as freeze, flight, or fight in situations of stress, we can transform these reactions into something positive.” This means radical acceptance rather than resigned endurance, self-care with positive activities rather than flight and avoidance, but also commitment and value-oriented action rather than fight.

At the level of society, a “health-for-all policies” approach must be consistently implemented: Psychotherapeutic care must be promoted, not curtailed. Further measures include more psychological education at schools, universities, kindergartens, and daycare centers, along with promotion of democracy. “Positive expectations, hope, and confidence are absolutely crucial parameters for mental health,” Brakemeier concluded.