Help for Self-Help: Your Reference Guide for Mental Health

We know what the highs and lows feel like - we are fellow sufferers who live with borderline personality disorder, depression and other mental health challenges. With our Mental Health Initiative, we want to create a place that gives hope, support and information.

These questions and answers are intended to help you find your way – whether you are affected yourself, are in a crisis or simply want to learn more about mental health.

Do you have suggestions for improvement, further questions or would you like to contribute something yourself? Write to us at any time.

1. Therapy and Treatment

  • How do I find a suitable therapist for my needs?
  • What types of therapy are there for mental illnesses?
  • What should I expect in the first therapy session?
  • How can I bridge the waiting time for a therapy place?
  • What role do medications play in the treatment of depression and borderline personality disorder?
  • What is the difference between outpatient and inpatient therapy?
  • How can I prepare for a hospital stay?
  • What alternative treatment methods are there for mental illnesses?

2. Crisis management and emergency aid

  • What to do if you have acute suicidal thoughts?
  • What emergency contacts and numbers should I know?
  • How do I create a personal emergency plan for crisis situations?
  • What techniques can help me deal with acute emotional crises?
  • How can I involve family and friends in times of crisis?

3. Diagnosis and understanding

  • How does a psychological diagnosis work?
  • What are the differences between borderline and bipolar disorders?
  • What does it mean to have a comorbid disorder?
  • How do different mental illnesses influence each other?
  • What role do genetic and environmental factors play in the development of depression?

4. Self-help and everyday coping

  • What self-help groups are there for borderline personality disorder and depression?
  • How can I structure my everyday life with a mental illness?
  • Which stress management techniques are helpful?
  • How can I maintain my social relationships despite illness?
  • What role does physical activity play in recovery?
  • How can I integrate mindfulness and meditation into my daily life?
  • Which self-help books and resources are recommended?

5. Legal and financial aspects

  • What rights do I have towards my health insurance provider in the case of mental illness?
  • How do I apply for rehabilitation for mental illness?
  • What financial support am I entitled to during therapy?
  • What do I have to consider when applying for sick leave due to mental illness?
  • What rights do I have at work when dealing with my illness?

6. Relatives and social environment

  • How can relatives support those affected?
  • What stresses do relatives experience and how do they deal with them?
  • How do I talk to those around me about my mental illness?
  • What services are available specifically for relatives of those affected?
  • How can I set boundaries to protect myself and my loved ones?