Member states should develop corresponding national strategies with clear timelines, adequate budgets, concrete targets, and indicators to monitor progress.

Such a strategy should improve access to mental health services in the EU, especially for vulnerable groups, and improve awareness raising and communication are needed to destigmatise mental health.

MEPs adopted their recommendations on prioritising mental health, as an integral part of a person’s health, in EU and national policies.

Parliament adopted its report on mental health with 482 votes in favour, 94 against, and 32 abstentions.

MEPs say mental health and well-being are shaped by a combination of socio-economic, environmental, biological, and genetic factors, and that any person at any point in their life can become more susceptible to poorer mental health. A “mental-health-in-all-policies approach” is needed, they add, to prevent, address, and mitigate the impact of mental health conditions.

The report calls on member states to prioritise and improve access to mental health services for vulnerable groups, such as children, adolescents, young adults, LGBTQIA+ persons, patients with chronic conditions and disabilities, elderly people, migrants, and ethnic minorities.

Tackling discrimination, stigma, and social exclusion.

With mental health still stigmatised, MEPs argue there is an urgent need to develop and implement information campaigns, raise awareness, and promote open discussions of mental health conditions.

They call on the Commission and EU governments to promote initiatives to combat stigma, exclusion and discrimination of people with mental health conditions, with the involvement of communities, public figures, politicians, public institutions, governments and people with lived experience.

Improving accessibility of mental health services

MEPs insist that all EU citizens must have access to the full range of quality mental health services, without financial and administrative hardship. They highlight the need to ensure further investment in public health and to address mental health workforce shortages and appropriate training.

“Every one in two people in the EU live with or have experienced depression or anxiety. Almost half of young people say they do not have the mental health care they need, and suicide is the second cause of death in young people. People with chronic diseases and disabled people, the LGBTQIA+ community, women, migrants, people experiencing homelessness, and others are particularly vulnerable,” Cerdas concluded.

In June, the Commission adopted the Communication on a comprehensive approach to mental health. It introduces 20 flagship initiatives and a holistic approach to mental health, based on adequate and effective prevention, access to high-quality and affordable mental healthcare and treatment, and reintegration into society after recovery.

This action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament’s grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.

Do you think that the EU Commission should draw up a long-term mental health strategy?