In Germany, a country known for its advanced medicine and strong social security systems, mental health challenges remain a pressing issue.
- Long waiting times for therapeutic treatments: Patients in Germany wait on average for up to several months for a therapy place. A study by the Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists from 2021 showed that the waiting time for a therapy place is on average around 20 weeks.
- Lack of skilled workers and specialists: Germany has a shortage of psychotherapists and psychiatrists. According to the German Medical Association, there were around 28,000 practicing psychotherapists in 2020, which is considered insufficient given a population of over 83 million people.
- Underfunding and limited resources: The proportion of spending on mental illnesses in the health budget is relatively low. According to the federal health report from 2020, only around 11% of total health spending went to mental disorders, even though these are among the most common causes of illness.
- Stigmatization of mental illness: Surveys show that a significant proportion of the population (up to 50% in some studies) still have prejudices against people with mental illnesses. This influences the willingness to seek help and to talk openly about psychological problems.
- Lack of preventive and sustainable approaches: Preventive measures for mental health are not yet widespread in Germany. Studies suggest that less than 10% of mental health budgets are spent on prevention and early detection.
As a small alpaca farm, we are aware that we cannot solve the problems mentioned in the health system. But because of our own long history with mental illnesses and experiences, we would like to make our contribution (authentically). We plan to become active with direct donations and our own projects. Although our options are limited, the topic of mental health is very important to us. We believe that alpacas, with their calming effects, can have a positive impact on the well-being of people with mental illnesses. Even if we only end up helping two to three people, it's worth it to us. Our commitment to mental health is a small step in the right direction, and we hope it serves as an inspiration for can serve others.
The challenges in the area of mental health in the German healthcare system are complex and require a coordinated approach from politics, healthcare and society. We want to do our part with our alpacas and hope that our efforts, even if they are modest, will have a positive impact. Investments in resources, education and preventive measures are essential to improve the mental health of the population and ensure it in the long term.
