Loss of Football Professional: Teresa Enke Fights for Victims
Depression: "Not a Weakness"
Following the death of national football goalkeeper Robert Enke, his wife Teresa founded a foundation to fight against the stigmatization of depression. She wants to help those affected and their relatives and break the silence surrounding the mental illness.Depression is a mental illness that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or social status. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, changes in sleep and appetite, and difficulty concentrating. Depression can also lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
In Germany, around 5.3 million people suffer from depression every year. The illness is often associated with weakness or a lack of willpower, which makes it difficult for those affected to seek help. This can lead to a worsening of the depression and, in the worst case, to suicide.
Teresa Enke's Commitment
Teresa Enke knows first-hand how devastating depression can be. Her husband, Robert Enke, took his own life in 2009 after suffering from depression for years. In the aftermath of his death, Teresa Enke founded the Robert Enke Foundation to help those affected by depression and to break the silence surrounding the mental illness."Depression is not a weakness," says Teresa Enke. "It is an illness that can affect anyone. We need to talk more openly about depression and break the stigma surrounding the mental illness. No one should have to suffer alone."
The Robert Enke Foundation offers a variety of services to those affected by depression and their relatives, including counseling, support groups, and educational programs. The foundation also works to raise awareness of depression and to promote mental health.
Teresa Enke's commitment to fighting depression is inspiring. Her work helps to break the stigma surrounding the mental illness and makes it easier for those affected to seek help. We all have a role to play in fighting depression. By talking openly about the illness, by supporting those affected, and by seeking help when we need it, we can help to create a world where everyone can live a full and healthy life.