We need a Basic Attitude of unprejudiced Encounter in the public Sphere, even in Times of the "Enraged Citizen" A social psychiatric Contribution to the Debate

Given a relationship between political shaping of society, the prevalence of mental illnesses and the organization of mental health care, the question of a possible political participation by social psychiatry arises. An unprejudiced and supportive encounter in an open society is an important requirement to represent the interests of people with severe mental illnesses and to provide a functional structure of mental health care. Not least in the context of the German PEGIDA-Movement and "asylum critics", a confusing mixture of simplistic stereotypes, concerns, anger and hate unfolded. An attempt to explain underlying and escalating mechanisms could be a possible political initiative taken by social psychiatry. Stereotypes are able to stabilize a civic self-concept in the short term. A quick and non-discursive devaluation of stereotypes in the public sphere might lead to immunization, anger and hate. "Angst" (fear) and "Wutburger" (enraged citizen) are diminutive diagnoses with a relieving character, catalyzing the process of escalation. Ambassadors of the public sphere like politicians or journalists are using stereotypes as well, balancing electability, economic interests and the management of escalation leading to a growing social divide. Politics in terms of a dedicated social psychiatry could moderate a reflected and adamant discourse at eye level, reducing fear, anger and stereotypes. It should be part of a political social psychiatric self-conception to promote a genuine discursive encounter in the public sphere of an open society.