Hey there, I’m from Germany and have mental health issues such as depression and was wondering how prevalent this topic is in America.

Here in Germany this topic has become extremely normal and pretty much everyone seems to openly talk about it even with strangers sometimes. We have a lot of therapists but it’s often hard to get an appointment since medical care in Germany is free and they have overwhelming numbers of people and the therapists don’t have enough availability to accommodate everyone. The therapists I had so far were pretty good since they really seemed to care about me and often did overtime and such to talk.

I wonder if it’s similar in America that a lot of people go to therapy and openly talk about mental health. What is the situation in America like? Do you have many therapists (especially in rural areas) and how easy is it to get in/finance? Or would you say this topic is generally more frowned upon in America in comparison?

    • blackris
      2·
      2 days ago

      That is simply not true. It is a pretty annoying process and often takes time to get a therapy, but nobody I know, including myself had to pay for this. And I know that because most people here are pretty open about therapy nowadays. There are more than enough problems with the German health care system, but OPs description fits my experiences muuuch more than what you describe.

      • hendrik@palaver.p3x.deEnglish
        2·
        2 days ago

        Same, same. I don’t think you can compare the two, unless you’ve experienced it yourself. I mean it’s gotten worse here. But still, it seems to be entirely different levels. I can still get appointments. People don’t just die from diabetes like they used to in the USA. We can just call an ambulance and someone will treat your broken arm. It’ll work just fine without private insurance. And you don’t even need a lawyer to challenge the hospital bill. You can bear a child without being in debt for the rest of your life… There are issues. And we’re not as good as some neighboring contries. But I don’t think the situation compares to what I read from across the ocean. But yeah, I’m missing actual experience from other countries.