Youth mental health issues have become a growing concern in Europe, but despite evidence showing that prevention works both financially and socially, funding remains limited. Why is this happening?
According to the European Commission, nearly half of young people in Europe, aged 15-29, struggle with unmet mental health needs, compared to just 23% of adults. These challenges often start in adolescence, with mental health issues affecting young people long before adulthood.
In an effort to address this “silent crisis,” the Z Zurich Foundation partnered with Euractiv to host a panel discussion on April 8. The event aimed to explore the impact of youth mental health issues and potential solutions.
COVID-19 and Mental Health Impact
In 2023, the European Commission introduced plans to include mental health data in the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) starting in 2025. This will help track progress on mental health initiatives across the EU.
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened mental health problems among young people, particularly those aged 15-24. It contributed to a rise in depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Digital technology, especially social media, exacerbated these issues by reducing face-to-face interactions and increasing problems like cyberbullying, social comparison, and addiction to online gaming.
The European Commission has also expressed interest in launching a Europe-wide investigation into how social media affects youth well-being.
Room for Improvement
Kasia Jurczak, Head of the Combating Diseases Unit at the European Commission, highlighted that although progress has been made in the last 20 years, there is still much work to be done in improving mental health for young people.
Maria Walsh, MEP, has been a strong advocate for mental health in the European Parliament. She emphasized that mental health needs urgent attention, on par with physical health. “We need a comprehensive EU Mental Health Strategy to address these growing challenges and ensure that member states take action,” she said.
Before the pandemic, mental health issues were already common. One in two people experienced a mental health condition in their lifetime, Walsh pointed out. However, the pandemic worsened these problems, especially for young people. Walsh also mentioned that mental health is not currently seen as an EU responsibility, leaving it in a “grey area” of policy.
A Human Rights Approach
Claudia Marinetti, Director of Mental Health Europe, explained her organization’s approach to mental health, which focuses on human rights, social inclusion, and recovery. She stressed the importance of addressing mental health through a wide-ranging “mental health in all policies” approach.
Marinetti also noted that while the EU has shown interest in mental health, the current discussions often focus too much on “brain health” and not enough on the social, economic, and environmental factors that affect mental well-being, especially for young people.
Mental Health as a Systemic Issue
Lana Par, Vice-President of the European Students’ Union, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that youth mental health is a systemic issue that has been escalating for years. The pandemic exposed and amplified these problems. Par argued that mental well-being should be considered a fundamental right, not a luxury, and that short-term solutions are not enough.
Cross-Country Collaboration
The EU has a unique opportunity to lead efforts to improve youth mental health through stronger funding and cross-country collaboration. Par pointed out that although some initiatives, like university counseling services, have been successful, they are often underfunded and inaccessible to many young people.
Sarah Kline, CEO of United for Global Mental Health, shared a global perspective, noting that mental health struggles vary across countries. In Romania, for example, young people face challenges such as bullying, cyberbullying, and family stigma. Kline also highlighted that young parents, especially teenage mothers, are at a higher risk of mental health issues, which can affect both their well-being and the development of their children.
The Silent Epidemic
Gary Shaughnessy, Chair of the Z Zurich Foundation, warned that mental health issues represent a “silent epidemic” affecting communities worldwide. He pointed out that while progress is being made, it is not enough. Shaughnessy emphasized that prevention is the most effective way to tackle this crisis, both financially and socially.
“The current mental health system doesn’t meet the needs of young people,” Shaughnessy said. “We know that half of young people say the system fails them, and this needs to change.” He also stressed that the youth mental health crisis will only worsen in the face of economic uncertainties and technological changes, like the rise of artificial intelligence.
Conclusion
The mental health of young people must become a top priority. Prevention is key to safeguarding both individuals and society, and the EU has an important role to play in addressing this urgent issue. With bold action, we can help young people navigate these challenges and create a healthier future for everyone.
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