EP “World Mental Health Day – Addressing the Socio-Economic Factors” Debate – MHE Reacts
What is the psychosocial approach, and how is mental health impacted by socio-economic factors?
On Thursday, the 9th of October, the European Parliament held a debate titled “World Mental Health Day – addressing the socio-economic factors,” addressing the escalating mental health challenges among Europeans and how to tackle them.
Mental Health Europe welcomes the debate on mental health and its framing that highlights the deeper socio-economic factors that shape mental health, rather than placing the responsibility solely on individuals or focusing narrowly on biomedical aspects. However, we regret that the European Commission and the European Parliament did not announce any new commitments and that the discussion remained largely focused on digitalisation and children’s mental health. While these are important areas, a truly comprehensive approach must also address the wider social and economic conditions that influence everyone’s mental health across the lifecourse.
Psychosocial approach and shifting the narrative from the responsibility of the individual
Long-term prevention can come from improved living and working conditions and enhancing social inclusion. To truly foster mental well-being for all, we must embed the psychosocial model across all areas of policy and regulation. Promoting better living conditions is not only a matter of fairness, but also the foundation for a healthier, more resilient society.
While a few MEPs approached the topic from differing perspectives, the overwhelming majority recognized the need to move beyond individual responsibility and to address the structural and social impacts on mental health. This shared understanding marks an important step towards a more comprehensive approach to wellbeing.
“ Our youth deserves more than resilience. They deserve justice, they deserve protection, they deserve care and they will get it if we act together. So, let’s stop asking them to adopt a broken world. Let’s fix the world instead.” – Tilly Metz, MEP (Greens/EFA) and Co-Chair of EP Intergroup on Mental Health
Mental Health Care Services
Mental Health Europe has been promoting a psycho-social model and urging the EU institutions and national governments to focus on the full spectrum of mental health, from prevention and promotion of good mental health to recovery. We call for a focus on social inclusion, notably thought, developing high-quality, affordable, accessible community-based recovery services that are person-centred and respectful of human rights. We were pleased to see these themes mentioned in the debate.
“Mental health is not a luxury, it is a human rights . Mental health should not begin in a hospital, it needs to be part of society where people have stability and well-being, so we need tangible measures, stronger social security net, reduction of poverty inequalities, tackling burn out, focusing on social rights more than ever…” – Irene Joveva, MEP (Renew)
Call for a EU Mental Health Strategy and EU Mental Health Year
Mental Health Europe welcomes this attention to the socioeconomic drivers of mental health and encourages the European Parliament and the European Commission to pursue this approach further. We stand ready to contribute our expertise and engage in an open dialogue with Members of the European Parliament and the European Commission to develop policies that put people’s well-being at the heart of Europe’s human rights and social agenda.
“The EU lacks a coherent and unified mental health strategy that we will implement on a sectoral basis. There should be better coordination, regulations of harmful practices and better monitoring across member states. Mental health should not be siloed as a health sector issue only, but integrated into jobs, education, digital policy, social inclusion, and addiction strategies, and must pay special attention on gender issues, women, men, and gender diverse people’s mental health…” – Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, MEP (S&D)
We also support the proposal for an EU Mental Health Year, which could serve as a crucial milestone in raising awareness, coordinating actions, and developing a comprehensive EU mental health strategy.
“ I consider it very important to declare the European Year of Mental Health, within the framework of which we will develop an EU mental health strategy that will help our citizens and the most vulnerable members of our society.” – András Tivadar Kulja, MEP (EPP)
These two initiatives for a EU Mental Health Strategy and a Mental Health Year need to be encouraged and put into action. Kadri Soova, Director of Mental Health Europe, added to this call to action:
“Behind every number in a report is a person with hopes, challenges, and the potential to thrive. If we want a Europe that truly cares, we must build societies where equity, inclusion, and mental well-being are prioritised and shared by all. This is why we call for the development and implementation of a comprehensive EU Mental Health Strategy.”
Conclusion
The debate from the 9 October was an important step towards recognising that mental health is inherently connected to the social and economic conditions in which everybody live, learn and work. Mental Health Europe welcomes this growing awareness and urges the EU Parliament and Commission to act upon it. The Psychosocial approach needs to be embedded across all policies, addressing inequalities and improving livnign and working conditions for all. This is not only a question of health policy, but a matter of social justice and human rights. Investing in mental health means investing in people, communities, and Europe’s shared future. We call on policymakers, CSOs and communities to unite behind this approach and to support the initiative of the European Mental Health Year which could mark a turning point for coordinated and ambitious actions. Altogether, it is possible to design and build a Europe that truly cares, a Europe that promotes and is held accountable for inclusion, equity and mental wellbeing for everyone.
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About Mental Health Europe: Mental Health Europe is the main independent European non-governmental network organisation committed to the protection of the rights of persons with psychosocial disabilities, the promotion of positive mental health, the prevention of mental distress, and the improvement of mental health care and social inclusion.
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