A recent exhibition showcased artworks created by young patients undergoing occupational therapy, marking 30 years of dedicated support for mentally ill children and adolescents by the Frankfurt Association for the Support of Mentally Ill Children and Adolescents. More than 250 visitors attended this significant event, which served not only to display the creative outputs of the young artists but also to raise awareness about the issues faced by these children.
The exhibition displayed artworks free of diagnostic constraints, providing insight instead through personal stories and emotional expressiveness. The board of the association remarked on the strong public interest, calling it "a strong sign of appreciation for the work of patients, therapists, and parents as well as for the visibility of our association." This sentiment reflects the increasing recognition of mental health issues among children and the importance of community support.
Founded in 1994, the association was established by staff from the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic at the University Hospital Frankfurt, alongside parents of affected children. Over the years, the organization has been heavily involved in countless projects aimed at supporting young patients who require inpatient or partial hospitalization therapy. The current primary focus is to back psychiatric diagnostics, therapy, and related research, particularly emphasizing occupational therapy as a means of promoting emotional, cognitive, and social development.
Dr. Andreas Chiocchetti, the first chairman and head of the lab for molecular genetics at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, stated, "My motivation is to help children and adolescents with psychiatric challenges where state help does not reach." This commitment resonates with the association's broader mission, which recognizes mental disorders as some of the most common illnesses affecting children and youth today.
With advancements in recognizing and treating mental illnesses, Chiocchetti emphasized the need for more than just medical intervention. “For successful recovery, more than just good medical care and support is needed,” he explained. This reflects the association's belief in comprehensive care addressing not only medical needs but also psychological and social well-being.
This focus includes providing various therapeutic materials, leisure activities, and opportunities for personal development, all of which are especially important when state systems may not adequately cover these needs. The association organizes workshops aimed at building community bonds among adolescents both with and without mental health challenges, diminishing stigma and fostering inclusivity.
A planned artistic workshop for summer 2025 aims to engage teens from diverse backgrounds and promote healing through creative expression. This project will take place in cooperation with the Museum Angewandte Kunst Frankfurt and the Arts and Crafts Association, underpinning the belief in the transformative power of art.
While the association provides support primarily within clinical contexts, it also promotes educational activities about mental health across social media and schools. Chiocchetti clarified, "Although we can offer some advisory services in individual cases, we are not structured to provide medical advice. Our goal is to facilitate access to the right support." This signifies the association's role as facilitators of knowledge and assistance rather than direct medical providers.
Overall, the exhibition and the work of the Frankfurt Association for the Support of Mentally Ill Children and Adolescents represent not just personal stories of struggle and creativity but also symbolize hope and the collective effort needed to address mental health issues. With many projects underway, the association continues to seek ways to uplift the voices of young patients, ensuring they receive the support and visibility they need.