Annakai Foundation Donates €16,000 to Herz-Jesu Hospital for Child and Adolescent Mental Health

A €16,000 donation from the annakai Foundation will enhance mental health services for children and adolescents at the Herz-Jesu Hospital in Fulda, Germany. The funds will be used to purchase equipment for innovative therapies, including indoor cycling and virtual reality (VR) therapy, providing new options for young patients dealing with anxiety, crises and other mental health challenges.

Supporting Young Patients’ Mental Wellbeing

The annakai Foundation’s generous contribution will directly benefit the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy (KJP-PP) at Herz-Jesu Hospital. The donation recognizes that addressing emotional distress in children requires more than just traditional medical interventions; it necessitates time, trust, and supportive resources.

New Therapeutic Tools

The purchased equipment includes spinning bikes for exercise therapy and VR headsets with accessories. These tools represent modern therapy concepts designed to promote movement, creativity, and a sense of community. According to Dr. Frank Theisen, chief physician of KJP-PP, donations like these “make a real difference in the care and treatment” by funding options not typically covered by standard financing.

Virtual Reality Therapy: A New Frontier

The integration of virtual reality therapy addresses the increasing influence of digital media in young people’s lives. The KJP-PP treats conditions like pathological media use and internet addiction, and VR technology offers a safe and controlled environment to address these issues. Dr. Oliver Nass, lead psychotherapist, notes that VR can create a “kind of lightness” for patients, offering distance from clinical settings and opening up new perspectives.

Potential applications of VR therapy include managing anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, addressing depression, and supporting recovery from addiction. Patients can practice coping mechanisms in simulated stressful situations or experience immersive environments for relaxation and skill-building.

The Benefits of Exercise Therapy

The addition of spinning bikes will expand the hospital’s movement therapy program. Physical activity and social interaction are key components of child and adolescent psychiatry. Research demonstrates that regular exercise can reduce depressive symptoms and improve concentration. Indoor cycling provides cardiovascular benefits, stress reduction, and increased body awareness, which is particularly valuable for patients dealing with body image concerns or weight issues.

Commitment to Youth Mental Health

The annakai Foundation has a long-standing commitment to supporting children and adolescents, particularly those from families affected by addiction and those struggling with depression. Sven Bieber of the annakai Foundation emphasized the organization’s dedication to empowering young people during challenging times and providing them with new opportunities.

About the Organizations

The annakai Foundation focuses on supporting children, adolescents, and young adults from families affected by addiction, as well as those experiencing depressive disorders, through educational programs and therapeutic interventions. More information can be found here.

Herz-Jesu Hospital Fulda is part of the Vinzenz Group Fulda, employing approximately 4,300 people across 18 locations in Hesse. The hospital provides comprehensive care to around 42,000 patients annually across nine specialist departments, including child and adolescent psychiatry. Learn more about the hospital and its KJP-PP department here.