A new report from the Z Zurich Foundation highlights the pressing need for Europe to address its growing youth mental health crisis. The report stresses that one in six young Europeans is facing mental health challenges, with the economic toll exceeding €600 billion annually. It calls for a shift towards early intervention through prevention and promotion, rather than focusing primarily on treatment, to effectively combat the rising mental health concerns among young people.
The Impact of Mental Health Challenges on Youth
Youth mental well-being encompasses much more than the absence of mental illness. It includes emotional resilience, healthy relationships, and the capacity to contribute positively to society. However, young people in Europe are facing an “invisible crisis” driven by academic pressures, social media, economic insecurity, and challenges like climate anxiety and geopolitical tensions.
The report highlights that mental health struggles lead to significant consequences for both individuals and society. Among the most concerning outcomes are higher rates of school dropouts, unemployment, and long-term social exclusion, which create a cycle of disadvantage for affected youth. On a societal level, these issues contribute to an economic burden of €600 billion annually due to lost productivity, healthcare costs, and social welfare expenditures.
As Gregory Renand, Head of the Z Zurich Foundation, notes, young people are integral to the present, not just the future, and their well-being is crucial to the overall stability of society. “It is our collective responsibility to support them,” he said.
A Vision for Systemic Change
The whitepaper presents a vision for systemic change, urging a focus on prevention and promotion to build long-term solutions. Currently, funding disproportionately favors treatment, but the report argues that prevention programs offer significant returns. For every euro invested in mental well-being programs, up to €24 can be saved through reduced healthcare and social costs.
One key recommendation is to shift funding priorities, ensuring that prevention and promotion programs receive equal attention alongside treatment initiatives. Additionally, the report calls for enhanced cross-sector collaboration among schools, healthcare systems, and community organizations to create holistic support networks for youth mental well-being.
Programs such as Portugal’s Por Ti initiative and Spain’s Henka project are presented as examples of successful prevention programs. These initiatives focus on emotional regulation and mental health literacy, helping young people build resilience and better manage stress and challenges. Sandra Camós, Director of Education at Fundación Princesa de Girona, emphasized the impact of such programs on student motivation and their ability to overcome challenges, contributing to greater success and happiness.
Coordination and Commitment at the EU and National Levels
While some progress has been made, with the European Commission committing €1.25 billion in 2023 for a comprehensive mental health approach, the report highlights the need for better coordination between EU institutions and national governments. Inconsistent strategies across member states lead to fragmented efforts and missed opportunities to scale successful programs. The report calls for a unified vision across Europe, with EU institutions playing a key role in setting benchmarks and supporting member states in implementing evidence-based practices.
Amplifying Youth Voices
A critical insight from the report is the importance of involving young people in the creation of mental health policies. Youth should be empowered to advocate for their mental well-being and become role models for their peers. Initiatives like the Letters to Strangers project illustrate the power of youth-led efforts in changing perspectives and fostering openness about mental health.
Diana Chao, founder of Letters to Strangers, underscored the role young people play in shifting attitudes, saying, “Young people change the thought processes of their parents, which in turn changes the thought processes of their colleagues.” The report also points to the role of digital solutions, such as campaigns like #InThisTogether, in creating safe spaces for adolescents to seek support and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health discussions.
A Call to Action
The Z Zurich Foundation’s whitepaper is a call to action, urging governments, private actors, and civil society to work together to create an ecosystem that prioritizes youth mental well-being. The report stresses that mental health must be treated with the same importance as physical health, and this shift should be reflected in policies, funding, and cultural attitudes.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s commitment to developing a European Strategy on Mental Health aligns with the recommendations in the report. However, the success of such initiatives will depend on their implementation and the collaboration of all stakeholders.
Towards a Mentally Well Europe
The report concludes with an optimistic vision for a Europe where youth mental well-being is prioritized across schools, communities, and healthcare systems. Programs like Por Ti and Henka demonstrate that change is possible when all stakeholders work together. The challenge now is for EU institutions, national governments, and civil society to bring this vision to life.
As Sarah Kline, CEO of United for Global Mental Health, aptly put it: “Let us commit to making youth mental well-being a priority, not just in words but in actions that lead to lasting change.”
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