The European Union (EU) has recognized the importance of mental health, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a global increase in anxiety and depression. The Council of the EU is taking steps to address mental health challenges through a series of conclusions aimed at prioritizing well-being.
The areas of focus include:
Precarious Work: Stress and psychosocial risks at work can have a significant impact on mental health. Workers in precarious employment situations, which are often poorly paid and lack adequate protection, are particularly vulnerable to developing anxiety and depression. The digitalization and automation of work may further exacerbate these issues.
In October 2023, the Council adopted its first-ever set of conclusions on the interconnection between mental health and employment. EU member states are committed to addressing this issue by improving mental health at work, combating precarious employment, strengthening public systems that protect mental health at work, supporting research on the impact of working conditions on mental health, ensuring mental health surveillance for workers, and assisting in the recruitment or reintegration of workers with mental health challenges.
Young People: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the mental health of young people across Europe. The ‘Health at a glance report’ by the OECD revealed that the share of young people with symptoms of anxiety and depression more than doubled in several EU member states compared to pre-pandemic levels. Suicide is identified as the second most common cause of death among young people in Europe.
Despite the growing need for mental health support among young people, almost half of young individuals in the EU (49%) reported unmet needs in mental health care, compared to 23% of the adult population. This highlights the urgency of addressing mental health challenges among young people.
The EU is recognizing the importance of improving mental health to enhance overall well-being, social and economic development, and the productive capacity of its citizens. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the necessity of addressing mental health challenges, and the EU’s efforts aim to prioritize this issue across various sectors, including employment and support for young people.
