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

A new exhibition at Dresden's German Hygiene Museum is tackling the often-overlooked topic of mental health. Titled How Are You?, the display aims to spark conversations and reduce stigma around psychological struggles. With rising absences at work and growing loneliness post-pandemic, the show arrives at a critical time for mental health awareness.

The exhibition highlights the scale of mental health challenges, both globally and in Germany. Worldwide, one in four people will face such issues in their lifetime, while around one billion currently live with them. In Germany alone, the same proportion applies, with socioeconomic factors often increasing early vulnerability.

The pandemic worsened the situation, particularly for young people. Loneliness surged, and workplace absences due to psychological illness jumped by 43% over the past decade. Despite this, stigma persists—many still hide their struggles, especially around conditions like psychosis or addiction.

How Are You? features personal stories and objects from locals in the Dresden region. By sharing real experiences, the museum hopes to break down barriers and encourage open discussion. The exhibition also poses a key question: How Can We Do Better? It challenges society, politics, and medicine to improve support systems for those in need.

The exhibition arrives as mental health remains a pressing but often silent crisis. By combining personal narratives with broader data, it pushes for greater visibility and action. Organisers hope the display will inspire both individuals and institutions to rethink how they address psychological well-being.