German Hygiene Museum Exhibition Tackles Rising Mental Health Concerns

Dresden (dpa/sn) – The German Hygiene Museum in Dresden is addressing a growing global health crisis with its new exhibition, “How are you?” The show aims to destigmatize psychological problems and raise awareness of illnesses that often remain hidden, yet are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Prevalence of Mental Health Issues

According to the World Health Organization, approximately one billion people worldwide experience psychological problems. In Germany, it’s estimated that one in four individuals will be affected at some point in their lives. Deutsches Hygiene Museum Dresden notes that many individuals first experience these challenges in their youth, even if they don’t seek help until adulthood.

Socioeconomic Factors and Mental Health

The exhibition highlights a correlation between socioeconomic status and mental well-being. Data suggests that children and young people from low-income families (23.1 percent) are more likely to experience psychological problems compared to those from middle-income (16.2 percent) and high-income (9.2 percent) backgrounds. This disparity may contribute to higher rates of mental health issues in Eastern Germany compared to Western Germany.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The exhibition acknowledges the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. Sociologist Claudia Neu discusses the different forms of loneliness – emotional, social, and collective – and how these feelings have intensified since the pandemic began. Before the pandemic, approximately four percent of those surveyed reported feeling lonely “almost always,” a figure that significantly increased during the pandemic and continues to affect individuals, particularly children and young people.

Increased Psychological Stress and Stigma

Iris Edenheiser, director of the museum, has observed a significant increase in psychological stress, attributing it to factors such as the pandemic, the increasing digitalization of daily life, and global crises. The exhibition emphasizes that the line between mental wellness and illness is often more fluid than perceived. Despite growing awareness, stigma surrounding mental health issues persists, with some fearing repercussions at work or in social settings. Whereas conditions like depression, burnout, and ADHD are becoming more accepted, psychoses and addictions continue to face greater stigmatization.

Exhibition Features and Interactive Elements

The exhibition features videos of conversations with individuals sharing their experiences with mental health, as well as personal objects that have helped them cope. It explores the question of “How’s it getting better?” by examining social, political, and medical factors. Visitors can engage with interactive elements, including a quiz and stations designed to promote self-reflection. The exhibition too provides information on available support resources.

Key Themes and Chapters

The exhibition is divided into three chapters:

• “I feel what you don’t see”: This section explores the inner lives of individuals, examining the prevalence, types, and risk factors associated with mental illness.
• “Thanks for asking”: This chapter focuses on the importance of support and connection.
• “Sometimes like this, sometimes like that”: This section highlights coping strategies and acknowledges the tragic reality of suicide.

Suicide Prevention

The exhibition addresses the critical issue of suicide, noting that 10,372 people in Germany took their own lives in 2024 – an average of 29 per day. It emphasizes that many individuals contemplating suicide experience a period of ambivalence lasting around 10 minutes, during which intervention can be effective. Up to 95 percent of those who are dissuaded from attempting suicide do not later die by suicide.

Addressing Societal Vulnerability

Dresden’s cultural mayor, Annekatrin Klepsch, emphasized that the exhibition addresses the vulnerability of both individuals and society as a whole, underscoring that health encompasses more than just physical functioning.

Exhibition Details

The exhibition “How are you?” opened on March 7, 2026, and will run until April 4, 2027. A “Feel-Good Sunday” event will be held on April 12th, featuring lectures and discussions on topics such as burnout and the impact of social media. Deutsches Hygiene Museum Dresden offers guided tours in German, English, and French, as well as a free audio guide app in multiple languages.