Mental health conditions represent one of the greatest challenges of our time. “In order to positively influence the mental health of the population, it must first be systematically measured,” explains Prof. Peter Falkai, spokesperson of the DZPG. Under the umbrella of the DZPG, large-scale cohort studies at two locations continuously monitor the population’s mental well-being. These studies form a monitoring system that identifies trends, highlights differences between population groups, and provides a scientific basis for prevention strategies and policy decisions
Research with broad scope
Both studies rely on large and representative samples: more than 25,000 adults aged 18 and over already participate in the German Health Barometer at the Bochum-Marburg partner site, and from 2026, adolescents aged 16 and above will also be included. The target is a base sample of 100,000 people. At DigiHero, more than 125,000 households have been recruited since 2021.
Stable mental well-being, but rising burdens
A first glance at the study results brings some good news: many people in Germany report stable mental well-being and a high level of psychological health. At the same time, stress emerges as the most frequently reported burden, followed by depressive moods and symptoms of anxiety. Between September 2024 and July 2025, a slight increase in negative mental health indicators was observed.
Differences between population groups
The data also provide detailed insights into mental health across various groups:
- Gender: Women report higher psychological distress and lower life satisfaction than men.
- Age: Individuals under 20 are the most affected, while those over 80 report the highest well-being.
- Regions: Participants in Berlin report the highest well-being, whereas Saarland shows the lowest. Stress and depression are most pronounced in Lower Saxony, while anxiety symptoms are highest in Berlin.
- An east-west comparison conducted as part of the DigiHero study revealed that when comparing people of the same age, gender, education and income group, East Germans report depressive symptoms less frequently than West Germans.
Implications for practice
Prof. Silvia Schneider, also a DZPG spokesperson, emphasizes: “Our research should be implemented in practice as promptly and effectively as possible, so that it benefits the population.”
To strengthen mental health in the long term, the researchers advocate for supportive societal frameworks: more free sports and leisure opportunities, additional public spaces for social interaction, and targeted education on mental health and media literacy — especially in schools and workplaces.
Further information and registration
www.deutsches-gesundheitsbarometer.de
https://webszh.uk-halle.de/digihero/
Press contact
Dr. Cordula Baums
MASTERMEDIA GmbH
+49 151 70125839
presse@dzpg.org
