Mental Health Policy and Practice Across Europe: An Overview PSYC 377

The Need 1 in 4 people experience significant episode of mental illness but the ‘treatment gap’ is wide Suicide is in top ten leading cuses of premature death in Europe contributing to 2% to overall burden of illness (WHO, 2005) Rate of suicide is much higher for men than women, and after traffic accidents the principal cause of mortality for year old males Mental illness/health problems account for 20% of the total disability burden of ill health across Europe (WHO, 2004) but receive 5% of health expenditure

Observations Disability and burden calculations tend to miss the effect of mental health problems on: – Physical health – Family relationships – Social networks – Employment status – Earnings – Economic status Why? – Stigma leading to discrimination – Impact of family members often not considered

Why do Europe need better mental health policies? Class Activity Using WHO Mental Health database answer the following questions: 1.How many countries are there in Europe? 2.What kinds of factors affect mental health in Europe? What are the issues? (Literature search) Find good examples to support your claim. 3.Any factors are protective in terms of mental health in Europe? 4.How much does mental health cost (Gross National Product) in Europe?

Why do Europe need better mental health policies? Class Activity 52 members of WHO European region Rapid economic change & social change could have a negative impact on mental health: – Eastern and Central Europe suffered increasing alcohol abuse problems, violence and suicide – People displaced through conflict – Economic migration – Changes in demography – Economic and social instability – Unemployment EU-15 countries mental health costs about 3-4% of GNP Productivity related costs due to absenteeism and reduced performance at work are the consequences that have high costs are on the increase

Policy Responses Mental health promotion recieves little attention Treatment unevenly and inconsistently implemented Institution-focused services dominates Europe Community-based services are patchy in terms of availability and quality Empowering service users is not a common practice Having a national policy is important – Activity: Chose a European country and check to see if there is a national policy on mental health