On the 1st of October, GAMIAN-Europe joined The Parliament Health Summit, contributing to vital discussions on mental health. As we engage in this crucial dialogue, we are ensuring that the patient’s voice is central to the formulation of EU mental health policy, advocating for a comprehensive approach to address the mental health crisis that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Growing Mental Health Crisis

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, suicide was the second leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 19 in Europe. Despite this, mental health has often been under-prioritised in political and financial agendas, with only 2% of global health budgets allocated to mental health, even though its economic burden in Europe exceeds €600 billion annually​. While post-pandemic conversations have focused on stress and anxiety, serious mental health conditions still receive insufficient attention.

A Call for a Comprehensive Mental Health Strategy

At the summit, Treasurer Jacinta Hastings represented GAMIAN-Europe, highlighting the importance of addressing a wide range of mental health conditions, and ensuring that policies reflect the needs of all patients with a robust and multifaceted mental health strategy that includes:

• Patient-Centred Policies: Mental health services must be built around the real needs of patients, rather than what the system currently provides. Policies must focus on giving individuals affordable, comprehensive care, accessible to all.
• Biopsychosocial Approach: A holistic approach is required, one that addresses the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of mental health.
• Investment in the Mental Health Workforce: As the demand for mental health care rises, so too must investment in the workforce that supports it. More resources are needed to ensure the availability of comprehensive mental health services.
• Workplace Mental Health: The post-pandemic era demands greater focus on workplace mental health, with policies ensuring that all employees have access to necessary mental health resources and support.
• Peer and Patient-Led Services: EU capital should be used to expand peer and patient-led initiatives, ensuring that no one is turned away from the support they need.

The Push for an EU Mental Health Intergroup

GAMIAN-Europe is proud to work alongside MEP Maria Walsh, a key advocate for the formation of an EU Mental Health Intergroup in the European Parliament. This intergroup would play a crucial role in keeping mental health at the top of the EU’s policy agenda, fostering cross-party collaboration and ensuring that mental health remains a priority in EU legislation with long-term, sustainable improvements in mental health care.

Mental health is a multifaceted issue, requiring sustained and focused effort over the next 5-10 years. We need to integrate mental health considerations into every aspect of health policy, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks. By working together, we can eliminate stigma, broaden access to care, and create a more supportive and inclusive Europe.

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