European Commission allocates $1.3 billion to fight mental health ‘silent epidemic’

BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Commission said on Wednesday it would allocate 1.23 billion euros ($1.3 billion) to mental health initiatives across all 27 European Union members and that it would make mental health a pillar of health policy.

“Today marks a new start for a comprehensive, prevention-focused and multi-stakeholder approach to mental health at EU level,” said Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, in a statement.

“We must break down stigma and discrimination so that those in need can reach out and receive the support they need. It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s our duty to ensure that anyone who seeks help has access to it.

The Commission said mental health problems already affected around 84 million people before the COVID-19 pandemic, with an economic cost of around €600 billion a year, or 4% of the bloc’s GDP.

The situation has deteriorated since the pandemic with the war in Ukraine, anxiety over climate change and rising costs of living due to soaring inflation.

At a press conference, Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas called the situation a “silent epidemic” and said the issue was the last piece of the European Union’s “puzzle.” health.

EU action will focus on adequate and effective prevention, access to affordable, high-quality mental health care and treatment, and reintegration into society after recovery.

Among its initiatives, the EU will strengthen the protection of children, in particular against the impact of social media, lead campaigns in favor of mental health in the workplace, launch a European initiative on the prevention of depression and suicide , will create a European code for mental health and provide targeted support. to the elderly, migrants and refugees.

($1 = 0.9351 euros)

(Reporting by Julia Payne; editing by Mark Potter)