"Anxiety and depression were already prevalent in the EU before the COVID-19 pandemic, during which they increased before levelling off again. Suicide death rates have declined significantly over the past few decades, but they have moved upward again recently. Poor mental health seems to have become more common among some groups, especially among older men and young women. In the EU, people typically have a formal entitlement to mental healthcare for free or at low cost, especially for particularly urgent care needs. However, people often do not seek care because of stigma and discrimination against people with poor mental health and because of the lack of access to care that is trusted and fits people's needs. Mental healthcare services are frequently rated as low quality. Furthermore, care capacity is lacking, especially in rural areas and for children. Timely care for mild or moderate needs, particularly psychotherapy, is often only accessible to people who can pay for it. Nevertheless, care seeking, coverage and capacity have increased in many Member States. Greater emphasis is needed on the prevention of poor mental health by improving working and living conditions, making societies more inclusive, addressing loneliness and (cyber)bullying and enhancing social protection."

Support: Digital

ISBN (PDF) : 978-92-897-2490-6