The signs of psychological and emotional stress are usually not recognized by those affected. Warning signs often first appear on the physical level, e.g. with sleep disturbances and tension, loss of appetite, ringing in the ears, palpitations or frequent colds or infections. If the psyche suffers permanently, this can also show itself through inner restlessness, impatience, irritability and anger, among other things. Feelings of guilt, dejection, crying, a sense of inner emptiness and circling thoughts also need to be taken very seriously. Nationwide, more than one in four adults meet the criteria for a mental illness in any given year. The most common conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, and disorders caused by alcohol or medication use. For the almost 18 million people affected and their relatives, mental illness is associated with massive suffering and often leads to severe restrictions in social and professional life.