Individuals continue to endure the aftermath of unjust treatment by SED.
Today, people are still plagued by the aftermath of the SED injustice. A group of researchers from the Universities of Leipzig, Jena, Magdeburg, and Rostock found that victims of this injustice have a significantly higher chance of suffering from psychological issues and react strongly to stressful situations, even 35 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The study, published recently, was conducted over a span of three years, involving various victim groups which include individuals who experienced degradation as well as women who received contaminated anti-D prophylaxis and forced-doped athletes.
Jörg Frommer, a professor at the University of Magdeburg, explained, "The long-term health consequences of SED injustice continue to inflict great suffering." It is not just the former political prisoners who are affected by these issues.
The report reveals that individuals who were subjected to "degradation measures" by the East German regime continue to react intensely in stressful situations, both physically and emotionally. They exhibit a high rate of specific psychological issues like anxiety and depression, according to the researchers.
The term "degradation" refers to subtle psychological tactics employed by the GDR's state security organs. These tactics included intrusions into personal spaces, intercepting phone calls, or spreading malicious rumors about someone. These methods were used to intimidate and destabilize the targeted individuals, damage their self-esteem, and instill fear in them.
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The consequences of the SED injustice have lasted for decades, affecting the mental health of many individuals even 35 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Despite the passage of years, the turnaround in their mental health remains scarce, with victims continuing to exhibit high rates of psychological issues like anxiety and depression. The research also suggests that individuals who were subjected to "degradation measures" by the East German regime may react intensely to stressful situations, a long-term effect of the SED's subtle psychological manipulation tactics.
