Association History and Goals

Far more mothers and fathers than most people realize - around 15% - fall into a profound emotional crisis around the time of their child’s birth. In Germany alone, an estimated 100,000 parents are affected every year. Many of them struggle with deep self-doubt and overwhelming feelings of guilt when they suddenly find themselves unable to cope with everyday life or to connect with their baby in the way they had hoped. Out of fear, shame, or uncertainty, many parents withdraw and try to hide what they are going through. Even while experiencing intense despair, they often feel compelled to maintain the appearance of being happy and “perfect” parents. For many, the path to an accurate diagnosis is long and exhausting - weeks or even months of searching for answers, moving from one doctor to another, without feeling truly seen or understood.
“Schatten & Licht e.V.” was founded in 1996 as a nationwide non-profit association. It is supported by affected parents and professionals and is advised by a scientific board. The organisation addresses the following peripartum problem areas (Latin: peri = around, partus = childbirth): peripartum depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorders, and peripartum psychosis.
Since 1999, the organisation has been affiliated with the worldwide network “Postpartum Support International (PSI)” in Santa Barbara, California. In addition, the association is a member of various medical professional societies as well as the German-speaking section of the Marcé Society for peripartum mental health disorders.

To demystify the idealized image of mothers and fathers, a new, objective perspective is needed. Society must recognize that the peripartum period represents a time of enormous physical, psychological, and social upheaval for all women - and for many fathers - requiring substantial support and assistance. A balanced understanding of the parenting role can help mothers and fathers cope more effectively with postpartum challenges. They are then more likely to openly acknowledge their difficulties and seek help. Finally, the media-driven image of the “supermom” must be freed from the constricting corset of unrealistic expectations: the always-perfect, omnipresent, self-sacrificing mother who has no personal needs or negative feelings - a notion that should have long been left in the past.
Families urgently need better prenatal education and postpartum care. Current support for parents with peripartum mental health conditions is far from sufficient. Germany lacks adequate postnatal services, outpatient therapy options, and specialized mother- and father-and-baby units in psychiatric hospitals. In terms of peripartum care, Germany is still very much a “developing country.” Changing this situation and helping affected families is the mission of the organisation "Schatten & Licht e.V.".
We need your support to continue this work: become a member and help ensure that you, your partners, and your children can experience a happy and healthy start to parenthood!