Article August 12, 2002 Issue

Politics, economy, education—my prayer list for Germany

By Frank Wondollek

A recent article in the southern German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung carried the headline "Krankeitsursache: Seele," or "Cause for sickness: soul." This article has had me praying—here's why, and how.

The newspaper noted that DAK, an employee health insurance group with 3.1 million members, has said that its members are increasingly suffering from psychological problems. Between 1997 and 2001, more than half of the sick days taken by DAK's members were for mental conditions. Younger workers appear to be especially susceptible. The 15-to 29-year-old age group reports a 70 to 90 percent increase in problems relating to their "soul-life"; 75 percent said they struggle with depression or various neuroses, including phobias and eating disorders.

The reported problems are psychological and emotional, but I believe their solutions are spiritual—and that a total change of perspective will bring us better health, socially and individually.