14.10.2025 Isabel Hempel 118

Episode 41: How normal am I actually?

Mental illnesses and life crises are frequently misunderstood and often pathologized too quickly. Dr. Manfred Lütz takes a new look in his book "Neue Irre! Wir behandeln die Falschen" (Kösel Verlag, 2020), Dr. Manfred Lütz takes a new look at the topic. In this interview, he explains why stigmatization is harmful and how we can really support people in crisis - without making hasty diagnoses.

"The real problems often lie with the so-called normal people."

Work:Life Blog: Mr. Lütz, in your book you differentiate between "normal" and "abnormal". What does this mean for you in terms of mental health?

Manfred Lütz: The title "New lunatics! We treat the wrong people" is meant ironically. The mentally ill are often much more sensitive and sympathetic than so-called "normals". The term "normality" is difficult, because ultimately we are all strange - but that doesn't mean we are ill. The concept of normality is very subjective.

You say we often treat the wrong people. What do you mean by that?

Manfred Lütz: I mean, when I work in a clinic during the day with depressive, manic or schizophrenic patients, who are often very likeable, and in the evening I see on the news how warmongers, economic criminals or ruthless egoists act, I start to wonder.

Many great criminals in history were mentally healthy - quite the opposite of the clichés. Hitler was not a madman, but a "normal" person who planned terrible things. The real problems often lie with the so-called normal people.

You call such people "pseudo-normal"?

Manfred Lütz: No, I don't use the word "pseudo-normal". An old boss of mine used to call such people "normopaths" - people who are so normal that it hurts. Statistically, mentally ill people are less likely to commit crimes than normal people. So beware of the normals!

"A third of the population suffers from mental illness at some point in their lives"

So why are mentally ill people so stigmatized, while questionable behaviour by "normal" people is often tolerated?

Manfred Lütz: Because the unknown is frightening and many people don't understand mental illness. In Germany, this is also linked to the history of National Socialism, where mentally ill people were persecuted.

In addition, many people are afraid of being affected themselves - for example because they are close to a relative with a mental illness. Yet around a third of the population suffers from mental illness at least once in their lives. So it's quite normal, but people don't like to talk about it.

Do you also take a humorous approach to the subject, for example in your cabaret performances?

Manfred Lütz: Yes, humor is important to make complex topics understandable. My aim is for everyone to understand my books - including my butcher. Mental illness is part of life and you can talk about it in an entertaining way without trivializing the subject.

There is a lot of education on social media, for example about AD(H)S or narcissism. How do you see this?

Manfred Lütz: Basically positive, because mental illness is part of normal life. But sometimes the information is too scarce or one-sided. Spectacular cases such as multiple personalities attract more attention, although more common illnesses such as schizophrenia affect many more people and are easily treatable.

How do you recognize whether someone is mentally ill or just going through a difficult phase in their life?

Manfred Lütz: Relatives are an important indicator: if friends or family notice that someone is changing dramatically, this is a warning signal. The line between crisis and illness is blurred. Anyone who has already suffered from depression, for example, and becomes unintelligent should listen to their relatives' assessment - even if they sometimes don't want to.

They also tell of cases in which supposed psychological problems have a physical cause, such as a brain tumor.

Manfred Lütz: Exactly. One case I looked after showed how important medical examinations are: A man who his wife registered as an alcoholic actually had a brain tumor. After the operation, he was healthy again. This shows how important it is not to make quick diagnoses, but to investigate carefully.

On the subject of addiction - you mention the "three Fs" as indications of a problematic alcohol addiction. Can you briefly explain this?

Manfred Lütz: The amount of alcohol says nothing about addiction. Social warning signs are decisive: Warnings at work, conflicts in a relationship or the loss of a driver's license are signals that should be taken seriously. Anyone who continues to drink despite such warnings most likely has an addiction problem.

What does good crisis counseling look like for you, beyond diagnostic pigeonholes?

Manfred Lütz: The most important help often comes from friends, not from psychotherapists. Psychotherapists are specialists in mental disorders, but life crises often simply need human closeness and understanding. If someone is in a crisis, they should turn to trusted people who help not with methods, but with honest listening.

What advice would you give to relatives who want to support a person in crisis?

Manfred Lütz: Don't panic immediately. It's usually a crisis, not an illness. Good friends are often the best advisors. However, if relatives notice that someone has changed dramatically, they should take it seriously and seek help, for example from a psychiatrist or psychosocial counseling centers.

What three things need to change in the way society deals with mental health?

Manfred Lütz: Firstly, more education, especially in the media, about mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Secondly: Indication interviews should be introduced in outpatient psychotherapy so that only people who are really ill receive treatment, which would reduce waiting times. Thirdly, inpatient care is good, but more use needs to be made of psychosocial services and emergency care needs to be improved.

In conclusion: What is your wish for the future?

Manfred Lütz: That society no longer stigmatizes mental health, but sees it as a normal part of life. And that we all talk about it more openly in order to better support people in crisis - with more humanity, less prejudice and reliable help.

Life situation coaching at pme Familienservice

At pme Familienservice , we create a new life situation coaching we create spaces in which people in difficult life situations can find support - without pathologizing them, but with a great deal of empathy and professional guidance. We promote a sensitive and individual approach to mental health that recognizes life crises as part of the human experience.

Cheerful to stormy - the everyday podcast with Olli Schmidt

Welcome to "Heiter bis stürmisch" - the everyday podcast. Cheerful or saddened to death: life has its ups and downs. That's what we're all about: everyday crises such as arguments with your partner, parenting issues, work overload, insecurities and anxiety. We talk to experts and give you practical tips to help you deal better with crises and challenges.

You can listen to our podcast on all known podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Audible etc.)! Questions, suggestions, criticism, requests? Feel free to write to us at: familienservice