Mental health problems constitute the greatest burden of disease after cardiovascular diseases in Europe.
One in four Europeans will experience mental ill health issue at some time in their lives and more people commit suicide in the EU than suffer car accidents or murder. However, service provision is often inadequate and does not give people the help that they need.
The economic cost of mental health problems in the EU is conservatively estimated to be 3-4% of the gross national product but investing in the promotion and prevention of good mental health could contribute to the economic growth and the achievement of the EU goals.
In order to address the above-mentioned challenges, the European Commission published a Green paper on Mental health open to consultation up to the 31 May 2006.
EPHA briefing note intends to present an overview of the topic, of the European initiatives and provides first comments on the Green Paper.
World Health Organisation (WHO) European Ministerial Conference on Mental Health
EPHA section on Mental Health
