The initiative was announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in the 2022 State of the Union address, as a follow up to the Conference on the Future of Europe. Citizens, stakeholders and other interested parties are invited to provide their input to this consultation until by 15 February 2023.
The comprehensive approach aims to support EU Member States, stakeholders and citizens by providing EU added value on a prevention-oriented approach that is based on incorporating mental health in all policies.
Key areas for attention include:
- Promotion of good mental health and prevention of mental health problems
- Early detection and screening of mental health problems
- Actions to further tackle psychosocial risks at work
- Support and improving access to treatment and care of mental health problems
- Improved quality of life
- Cross-cutting issues, including research, development and innovation, the role of digital tools, training and support, inter-disciplinary training for the health workforce, or the specific needs of vulnerable groups and socioeconomic disadvantaged groups.
The 2022 edition of the Health at a Glance report showed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and the need for additional measures to prevent a scarred generation of young people. Moreover, this comprehensive approach to mental health responds to the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe, where European citizens highlighted mental health as a major topic of concern.
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