Hygiene-Museum focuses on mental health - Dresden's Bold New Exhibition Confronts the Global Mental Health Crisis

Mental health challenges are rising globally, with one in four people facing such issues at some point in their lives. Over the past decade, work absences due to psychological illness have surged by 43%, signalling a growing need for support. Now, a new exhibition in Dresden aims to shed light on these struggles and encourage open conversation.

The How Are You? exhibition at the German Hygiene Museum explores mental health through personal stories and objects from local residents. Visitors will hear firsthand accounts of anxiety, depression, and recovery, helping to break down stigma—especially around conditions like psychosis and addiction.

Research shows that even small changes can make a difference. Just ten minutes of physical activity has been proven to lift mood for those struggling with mental health. Yet challenges remain, particularly for young people. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened feelings of loneliness, while children from low-income families still face higher rates of psychological distress than their peers.

In Germany, mental illness rates have shifted over time. After reunification, East Germany saw slightly higher depression and anxiety levels due to economic stress and social change. But by the 2000s, these differences between East and West had evened out. Today, one in four Germans will experience mental health issues in their lifetime—a figure mirroring global trends.

Experts point to modern pressures as key drivers. The digitalisation of daily life, alongside global crises, has contributed to rising stress levels. Despite growing awareness of burnout and depression, stigma persists, making it harder for many to seek help.

The exhibition in Dresden offers a space for reflection and understanding. By sharing real experiences, it hopes to foster inclusion and reduce isolation. Meanwhile, the data underscores an urgent reality: mental health struggles affect millions, and collective action is needed to address them.