Long-term consequences of SED underrust: psychological and physical damage testify!

Long-term consequences of SED underrust: psychological and physical damage testify!

The long-term health consequences of SED inheritance are not only a question of history, but also affect numerous people up to the present. A research network, consisting of the university clinics Jena, Leipzig, Magdeburg and Rostock, has examined over the past three years what effects the repression of the former GDR have on the health of those affected. Under the direction of Prof. Bernhard Strauß, Prof. Georg Schomerus and Prof. Jörg frommer, mental disorders and physical complaints are mainly focused here, which above all affected politically imprisoned, spied on by Stasi and affect other people. MDR reports that the number of politically prisoners in the former GDR was around 150,000, and the long-term consequences of the SED unalsis to serious illnesses in many cases lead.

Many of the former political prisoners, youth workers and other groups still suffer decades after the end of the GDR from mental illnesses that create high risk and suffering. A study shows that former youth workshop residents and politically imprisoned mental disorders occur much more frequently than in the general population. This knowledge underlines the need to make specific support offers to the victims, since they are still affected by a stigma today.

physical diseases and stigma

The consequences are extremely complex. Those affected repeatedly report a higher inclination of inflammation that can cause physical illness on the one hand, and on the other hand also leads to an increase in risk of suicide and cardiovascular problems. In addition, the diagnostic creation is often difficult for both those affected and the treating doctors. In a survey of 750 medical employees, it was found that SED Ur Law victims are more likely to be rejected than people with conflict-free GDR biography. For this reason, experts are calling for targeted training courses for lawyers, administrative personnel and medical staff to create a better understanding of the history of the GDR.

The Unkrlinikum Leipzig emphasizes that the Federal Ministry of Justice has published a draft law on a financial improvement for politically persecuted citizens: inside in the former GDR. An important measure that could improve access to social and health services for those affected. However, many victims still come to their trauma when applying for compensation, which leads to retraumatization.

scientific research and measures

In addition, current research is devoted to the long-term health consequences of SED in various groups, from women with hepatitis-C-related damage to forced-doped competitive athletes. The Leipziger Zeitung reports of the visible consequences that the SED-UNGRISS has the health situation of these people. Especially for minor -doped athletes: inside, high rates of mental illnesses and social withdrawals were found, which illustrates how sustainable the stress can have.

In order to spread the knowledge gained and to train the specialist staff better, the research network plans to create an online literature database, which should also serve as the basis for future training. The common goal of the scientists is to sustainably improve the quality of life of those affected and to draw attention to the grievances that exist to this day.

It remains to be seen which political decisions will be made in the coming months in order to strengthen the rights and demands of those who had to suffer from repression in the GDR. However, the latest developments, such as the amendment to the SED UNRHASSIFENIMENCE Act, bring hope that it will be better in the future.