The European Union is ramping up its efforts to address the escalating youth mental health crisis, with a focus on bridging gaps in national strategies and addressing rising psychological distress among young people.
During a high-level conference held in Kraków on April 7, mental health professionals and EU officials emphasized the urgency of the situation. They presented a comprehensive action plan, including €1.3 billion in new funding, aimed at integrating mental health care with education and social policies across Europe.
The conference highlighted the release of a key report, Youth Mental Health: Integrating Mental Health Care, Education, and Social Policies, which outlines best practices for supporting young people’s mental well-being.
“This is a key event of the Polish EU presidency,” said Polish Deputy Health Minister Katarzyna Kacperczyk. “Our goal is to find the best solutions to help young people and raise awareness among parents and teachers.”
Urgent Calls for Action on Youth Mental Health
Representatives from the WHO, OECD, and UNICEF provided specific recommendations for governments and policymakers on protecting youth mental health and promoting well-being in the evolving digital world.
Marion Devaux, Health Policy Analyst at the OECD, delivered alarming statistics, stating, “Young people’s mental health is poor and worsening.” She added that in 2022, more than half of teenagers reported multiple health problems, with anxiety and depression increasing by 20% since before the pandemic. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among young people in Europe.
Devaux also pointed out that EU countries have not uniformly implemented mental health strategies, with only 28% of nations incorporating these strategies into primary care, 21% in schools, and a mere 10-14% fully implementing them.
The OECD presented 11 best practices, including a Polish program for early detection of postpartum depression, which has successfully reduced behavioral problems by 50%, mental health symptoms by 87%, and improved educational and career outcomes by up to 61%.
The report also noted the significant economic impact of mental health issues, with mental health-related costs in European countries representing a notable percentage of GDP. However, the implementation of mental health programs has led to healthcare savings, ranging from €0.01 to €3.60 per person annually.
Digital Age and Youth Mental Health
EU Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Olivér Várhelyi emphasized the critical need to safeguard young people’s mental health in today’s digital world. While digital technologies provide opportunities, they also pose risks, including cyberbullying and excessive screen time.
“Early intervention is essential to prevent issues from becoming entrenched,” Várhelyi stressed.
The Commissioner outlined the European Commission’s ongoing efforts, including research into social media’s impact on youth mental health. He also announced that nearly €1.3 billion would be allocated to support EU member states in enhancing mental health policies across various sectors.
Várhelyi called for collaboration between all stakeholders, including digital platforms and young people, to protect mental health in the digital era.
A Collaborative Approach to Tackling the Crisis
The conference allowed EU member states to share their best practices and challenges in developing and implementing strategies to protect children’s mental health, particularly in the digital age.
Mental health experts emphasized the need for cross-sector collaboration, involving education, healthcare, technology, and social services, to effectively address youth mental health concerns.
The event also featured a presentation by students on how new technologies impact mental health. Many participants expressed strong support for the initiatives introduced by the Polish presidency, highlighting the importance of continued cooperation in tackling this growing crisis.
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