As the EU makes strides to contain COVID-19, the mental health consequences of the pandemic will continue to resonate within our societies. Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, will therefore host a virtual event entitled Mental health and the pandemic: living, caring, acting!, on 10 May to gain a better understanding of the mental health impact of COVID-19.  

Even before the pandemic, the burden of mental health problems in Europe was very high, with tens of millions of people across the EU experiencing at least one mental health problem. The event aims to take stock of pandemic implications and spark a discussion on mental health resilience and preparedness measures for future mental health needs, as part of the European Mental Health Awareness Week 2021.

More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health impact has been overwhelming. The virus has brought anxiety and grief; social distancing increased loneliness; school closures put pupils, parents and teachers under stress; diagnosis were delayed and afflicted patients found it harder to continue treatment; health care workers faced strain and exhaustion. Whilst people’s mental health needs are different, depending on their own personal situation, the broader societal context may also play a part. In short, the mental well-being of all EU citizens is being put to the test in an unprecedented manner.

Registration is now open to hear the voice of those affected, including people with pre-existing mental health problems and those providing care. Whilst policies and services addressing mental health are the responsibility of individual EU countries, this event will share examples and promising practices, exploring what we know and what we need to understand better, and discuss how to ensure that our health systems are well enough equipped, today and in the future.

• Draft programme
• Registration
• Mental Health Awareness Week