Ϸվ calls for action to protect mental health
An increase in mental health problems means that this could be the next health crisis, which is why MEPs want action
Mental health has become a major issue of public health, and economic and social concern across the EU. It is also an issue at work, as poor working environments, including excessive workloads, job insecurity, harassment and discrimination, pose a risk to the mental health of workers.
Ϸվ calls for an integrated EU Mental Health Strategy
The European Commission proposed a in June 2023. In response, in December 2023 MEPs called on the Commission to draw up a long-term, comprehensive and integrated EU Mental Health Strategy.
Ϸվ’s resolution urged EU countries 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.
With mental health still stigmatised, MEPs argued that there is an urgent need to develop and implement information campaigns, raise awareness and promote open discussions of mental health conditions.
MEPs also insisted that all EU citizens have access to the full range of quality mental health services, without facing financial and administrative difficulties.
on the topic in plenary in October 2024, on the occasion of the World Mental Health Day on 10 October. MEPs discussed the need for a comprehensive EU strategy.
Covid-19’s impact on mental health
Work-related psychosocial risks increased as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic that broke out in 2020 and the subsequent economic crisis These had a huge impact on people’s mental health and well-being, which led to higher rates of stress, anxiety and depression.
However, mental health was not treated as a priority in the same way as physical health, Ϸվ noted in a resolution on mental health in the digital world of work adopted on 5 July 2022.
Preventing work-related mental health issues
The resolution adopted by Ϸվ in 2022 called on the EU institutions and countries to recognise the high level of work-related mental health problems and to find ways to help prevent mental health problems. It also underlined the need to eradicate violence, discrimination and harassment at work.
Ϸվ also recommended flexible work hours to help mitigate work-related stress, education on mental health and training for employers.
MEPs recognised mental health as a fundamental human right and called for an EU action plan on mental health in a resolution on the EU’s public health strategy post Covid-19 adopted in July 2020.
In 2021 MEPs also called for the right to disconnect from work outside working hours with no negative consequences.