Heinsberg District Forum Highlights salutogenic Approaches to Mental Health
A recent specialist forum hosted by the Heinsberg District Health Department focused on innovative, scientifically-grounded strategies for bolstering mental wellbeing. The event centered on a salutogenic viewpoint – exploring factors that sustain health – and emphasized the importance of meaning,comprehensibility,and manageability when facing psychological challenges.
The forum featured a diverse range of experts. Dr. Rosa Michaelis, a neurologist, medical psychotherapist, and mindfulness teacher from Knappschaft Kliniken Universitätsklinikum Bochum GmbH, introduced the core principles of salutogenesis and its relevance to mental health promotion. Psychologist Dominique Neerschulte of the Alexian Center for Mental Health Gangelt followed with a presentation on positive psychology, detailing its focus on wellbeing, life satisfaction, and psychological growth.
Jo Maes, a board member of European Patients Empowerment for Customized Solutions (EPECS), broadened the discussion with an overview of positive health – a holistic model viewing health as a dynamic process of self-regulation encompassing physical, mental, and social dimensions.
Mindfulness also took center stage,with Petra Schmidt,President of the European Associations for Mindfulness (EAMBA) and a lecturer at the University of Wuppertal,demonstrating the benefits of programs like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in reducing stress and building resilience. Stefanie Müller, M.Sc. Psychology from BGF – Institute for Workplace Health Promotion, presented the Mental Health Frist Aid (MHFA) international training program, highlighting its role in equipping laypeople to offer initial support during psychological crises and combating stigma.
The event fostered professional exchange and networking during a 40-minute break, with ten information stands hosted by regional providers and initiatives. Organizers noted a strong participant interest in preventative, resource-oriented mental health approaches.
the forum aimed to provide lasting impetus for integrating salutogenic and preventative concepts into existing local structures, such as the Psychosocial Working Group (PSAG), ultimately contributing to the long-term advancement of psychiatric health promotion and care within the Heinsberg district.
Contact Information:
Heinsberg District Health Department
Office of the Municipal Health Conference and Health Reporting
Valkenburger Straße 45, 52525 Heinsberg
E-mail: karl-heinz.grimm@kreis-heinsberg.de
Telephone: 02452 / 13 5314
A group photo following the event included Heidrun Schößler (Head of Health Department), Dr. Wolfgang Sommer (Deputy Head of Office; Head of the SpDi),Karl Heinz Grimm (Head of the Municipal Health Conference and Health reporting Office),Petra Schmidt,Joe Maes,Dominique Neerschulte,Stephanie Müller,Dr. Rosa Michaelis, and Dr. Sonja Maurer (head of department).
