R13: Mental health is political: Addressing Europe’s mental health crisis holistically

The COVID-19 pandemic has put the spotlight on and worsened what Europe has long been facing – a mental health crisis. In the European Union, 83 million people are affected by poor mental health and one third of those suffering still do not have access to mental healthcare. Brussels and national governments across Europe have done little to address this, and when doing so, they fail to take into consideration societal factors directly causing the crisis. We welcome the Commission’s announcement of a European mental health initiative with a “comprehensive approach to mental health”. However, an initiative treating the consequences rather than the causes, is not enough. Addressing the mental health crisis necessitates a holistic, intersectional approach which, besides addressing a failing mental healthcare system, must also consider broader societal issues, such as the skyrocketing costs of living compounded by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the housing crisis, poverty, poor working conditions (overwork, burnout, underpay, pay gaps, etc.), structural, institutional and systemic discrimination, and neglect or dehumanisation of the invisibilised(refugees, homeless, etc.).

The COVID-19 pandemic has put the spotlight on and worsened what Europe has long been facing – a mental health crisis. In the European Union, 83 million people are affected by poor mental health and one third of those suffering still do not have access to mental healthcare. BrusselsThe European Commission and national governments across Europe have done little to address this, and when doing so fail to take into consideration societal factors directly causing the crisis. We welcome the Commission’s announcement of a European mental health initiative with a “comprehensive approach to mental health”. However, an initiative treating the consequences rather than the causes is not enough. Addressing the mental health crisis necessitates a holistic, intersectional approach which, besides addressing a failing mental healthcare system, must also consider broader societal issues, such as the skyrocketing costs of living compounded by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the housing crisis, poverty, poor working conditions (overwork, burnout, underpay, pay gaps, etc.), structural, institutional and systemic discrimination, and neglect or dehumanisation of the invisibilised(refugees, homeless, etc.).

The COVID-19 pandemic has put the spotlight on and worsened what Europe has long been facing – a mental health crisis. In the European Union alone, 83 million people are affected by poor mental health and one third of those suffering still do not have access to mental healthcare. Brussels and national governments across Europe have done little to address this, and when doing so fail to take into consideration societal factors directly causing the crisis. We welcome the Commission’s announcement of a European mental health initiative with a “comprehensive approach to mental health”. However, an initiative treating the consequences rather than the causes is not enough. Addressing the mental health crisis necessitates a holistic, intersectional approach which, besides addressing a failing mental healthcare system, must also consider broader societal issues, such as the skyrocketing costs of living compounded by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the housing crisis, poverty, poor working conditions (overwork, burnout, underpay, pay gaps, etc.), structural, institutional and systemic discrimination, and neglect or dehumanisation of the invisibilised(refugees, homeless, etc.).

Access to, awareness and quality of mental healthcare differ not just between Member States, but within them. Marginalised groups are disproportionately disadvantaged not just by societal discrimination but also by discrimination within the mental healthcare system itself. Tackling this crisis, therefore, needs to be achieved in two parts: wide-scale change at a systemic level to remove oppressive systems that are actively damaging the mental health of the most vulnerable; and the creation, reform, and expansion of mental health services to support those in need.

There is a sharp correlation between high levels of education and a decline in mental illness. Furthermore, schools play a key role within communities. Therefore, mental health in school relevant professional curricula and services, such as counselling, must be radicallyrapidly instituted or improved. A broader purpose of public education must also consider integrational and cultural education for migrant and refugee communities, and (re-)integrational, rehabilitative and cultural services for invisibilised peoples.

There is a sharp correlation between high levels of education and a decline in mental illness. Delete first sentance “There is a sharp correlation…. mental illness.” and replace with “The educational system can have a profound and lasting effect on children’s mental health.”
Furthermore, schools play a key role within communities. Therefore, mental health in school curricula and services, such as counselling, must be radically instituted or improved. A broader purpose of public education must also consider integrational and cultural education for migrant and refugee communities, and (re-)integrational, rehabilitative and cultural services for invisibilised peoples.

There is a sharp correlation between high levels of education and a decline in mental illness. Furthermore, schools play a key role within communities. Therefore, mental health in school curricula and services, such as counselling, must be radically instituted or improved. We need an educational system that accommodates and nurtures both neurodivergent people, such as those with ADHD and autism, and people with different mental health needs, like anxiety and depression. A broader purpose of public education must also consider integrational and cultural education for migrant and refugee communities, and (re-)integrational, rehabilitative and cultural services for invisibilised peoples.

The rightaccess to housing is not guaranteed to all equally. Youth are amongst those vulnerable people who are greatly affected by the housing crises and are subject to unaffordable and substandard living conditions that worsen mental health. Homelessness rates are notably rising amongst youth as well as the elderly, the unemployed, seasonal workers, and (failed) asylum seekers. Young queer people, for example, risk parental rejection and are more exposed to homelessness. Plus, people with mental illnesses are at a higher risk of experiencing homelessness and the neglect and dehumanisation of the homeless further exacerbates mental illness., creating a vicious cycle

The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the poor working conditions or cultures throughout Europe, and furthermore, placed vulnerable individuals in situations of precariousness, exploitation, unemployment, and financial instability. The global capitalist system has normalised a culture of overwork, with all 15 European countries surveyed in 2021 reporting a burnout rate of 45% or higher, and evidence of similar problems in non-EU states in the wider Europe. This is abnormal – we must neither live to work nor work to live – we must work to work and live to live.

The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the poor working conditions or cultures throughout Europe, and furthermore, placed vulnerable individuals in situations of precariousness, exploitation, unemployment, and financial instability. The global capitalist system has normalised a culture of overwork, with all 15 European countries surveyed in 2021 reporting a burnout rate of 45% or higher. Current work culture is unsustainable in many ways. The increased demands caused by a working culture which encourages overworking has a grave negative impact on the mental health of individuals, including causing exhaustion and burn out. The normalisation of unsustainable working culture is a societal issue and needs to be addressed as such. The World Health Organisation 2022 World Mental Health Report indicates that globally one in eight people live with a mental health disorder, but resources for help and support are gravely under resourced. The same report lists e.g. decent work, community and safe environment as factors contributing to a better mental health. This is abnormal – we must neither live to work nor work to live – we must work to work and live to live.

Where mental health services exist, they are still inaccessible to many. Of the 21 Member States with available data, only 11 provide psychological care through the public healthcare system at no additional cost, and only three provide unlimited care. Many are hindered from access due to absurd waiting times or bureaucracy, and further disparities exist for marginalised groups. The distribution of funds for services tends to occur within the health or social care structures, which represent two separate areas of government funding, and the lack of coordination between the services provided is a barrier for those seeking help. Problems with service provision also exist in non-EU countries in the wider Europe.

Power structures in society erode the mental health of oppressed people and makes it harder for those already suffering to get back on their feet. Black Lives Matter garnered global attention to the oppression of Afro-descendent peoples throughout the West, and the #StopAsianHate movement drew attention to massive spikes of hate crime against peoples of Asian descent throughout the pandemic. Racism is not solely a social issue, but a global public health issue, too. Racism determines social inequalities in health and worsens mental health; its social and economic consequences further negatively impact mental health. Communities of colour, particularly those designated ‘Muslim’ or ‘Black’, disproportionately experience racial profiling, occupational downgrading and unemployment, violence, and discrimination. They even face racism within mental health services and are disadvantaged in receiving appropriate, timely mental healthcare. To illustrate, although women of colour are at greater risk of developing mental health issues, they face inequalities in diagnosis and care which depend on the cultural competence and attitudes of healthcare providers.

Black Lives Matter garnered global attention to the oppression of Afro-descendent peoples throughout the West, and the #StopAsianHate movement drew attention to massive spikes of hate crime against peoples of Asian descent throughout the pandemic. Racism is not solely a social issue, but a global public health issue, too. Racism determines social inequalities in health and worsens mental health; its social and economic consequences further negatively impact mental health. Communities of colour, particularly those designated ‘Muslim’ or ‘Black’, disproportionately experience racial profiling, occupational downgrading and unemployment, violence, and discrimination. They even face racism within mental health services and are disadvantaged in receiving appropriate, timely mental healthcare. To illustrate, although women of colour are at greater risk of developing mental health issues, they face inequalities in diagnosis and care which depend on the cultural competence and attitudes of healthcare providers.

Insert new paragraph: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, disabled/chronically ill people have faced increased mental health struggles due, for example, to isolation. Currently, the mental health impact on those living with a disability/chronic illness is often overlooked, yet mental and physical health go hand in hand. Healthcare must be holistic and multidisciplinary, so that those requiring long term physical healthcare also have integrated access to mental healthcare services.

Based on the above, the European Greens are asking the EU and/or national governments , including those in the wider Europe, to:

2. Factor in mental health when any resolution, regulation, law, report, or motion is drafted or debated;debated, following the "Health in All Policies" Approach by the WHO;

2. Factor in mental health when any resolution, report, or motion is drafted or debated;

2. Mainstream mental health in all relevant policy initiatives and legislation at national and European level;

With regards to young people
As a UK-study shows (Children and young people: statistics | Mental Health Foundation) 50% of mental health problems are established by age 14 and 75% by age 24. If the mental health problems of Europe’s populations Is to be improved, it will be necessary to prioritize the mental health of the youth as well as implementing mental health policies with the aim of preventing mental health problems from developing in the first place.


With regards to education, to:

1. Develop and introduce mental health into the curriculum, such as emotional education; of all relevant professions having to address mental health issues ;

1. Develop and introduce mental health literacy education into the curriculum, such as emotional education;

1. Develop and introduce mental health into the curriculum, such as emotional education; Delete the words “such as emotional education” and replace with “as well as education on neurodiversity”

1. Eliminate practices that contribute to overcrowding and substandard and unaffordable living conditions – for example, via rent controls, improved and enforceable renter rights, and more social housing;

1. Eliminate practices that contribute to overcrowding and substandard and unaffordable living conditions – for example, via rent controls, improved renter rights, higher energy efficiency standards, and more social housing;

1. Eliminate practices that contribute to overcrowding and substandard and unaffordable living conditions – for example, via rent controls, improved renter rights, and more social housing;

2. Insert new paragraph (and renumber) “Provide access to free legal advice and legal aid, so that renters have the information and resources they need to uphold their rights.”

1. EliminateAddress the root causes of the housing crisis by eliminating practices that contribute to overcrowding and substandard and unaffordable living conditions, as well as respond to the excess demand of housing – for example, via rent controls, improved renter rights, andboosting the supply of new housing, building more public and social housing;housing, implementing rent control when applicable, providing housing benefits as part of social security, and improving renter rights;

1. Eliminate practices that contribute to overcrowding and substandard and unaffordable living conditions – for example, via rent controlscaps, improved renter rights, and more social housing;

2. Combat rising costs of living, primarily energy poverty for the upcoming winter, viawith measures like price ceilings or, rent moratoria or providing financial support to low income households, such as in the Energy Poverty Resolution of 2021;

2. Combat rising costs of living, primarily energy poverty for the upcoming winter, via price ceilings or rent moratoria, such as in the Energy Poverty Resolution of 2021;

3. Recognise housing as a fundamental right and provide the homeless with humanity and dignity via ethical and humane temporary living conditions;conditions, following the housing first approach that has been implemented in some member states already;

4. Provide those in social housing with tools for self-reliance enabling them eventually to be able to afford permanent housing.

5. Provide low-energy, high-quality social housing for those who cannot enter the private rental market

4. Provide those in temporary social housing with tools for self-reliance enabling them eventually to be able to afford permanent housing.

1. Expand workers’ rights by, among others, increasing minimum pay and paid vacation, reducing maximum working hours, restricting grounds for firing, increasing parental leave, and abolishing unpaid work;

1. Expand workers’ rights by, among others, increasing the minimum paylevel of social protection or income in a manner customary to each member state and paid vacation, reducing maximum working hours, restricting grounds for firing, and abolishing unpaid work;

1. Expand workers’ rights by, among others, increasing minimum pay and paid vacation, reducing maximum working hours, restricting grounds for firing, and abolishing unpaid work;work, including e.g. unpaid internships;

2. Ensure the financial stability of workers via aadequate wages as well as social benefits that secure livelihoods. In doing so, we are guided by the idea of an European basic income;

3. Expand the scope and enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in hiring and work, providing equal opportunities to and within employment regardless of identity.

4. Provide appropriate guidance so that everyone have acces to quality, sustainable jobs

5. Ensure an adequate minimum social protection for those who can't work

3. Expand the scope and enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in hiring and work, providing equal opportunities to and within employment regardless of identity.

4. Insert new paragraph (and renumber): "Ensure high workers’ welfare standards in public procurement contracts and eliminate modern day slavery from all supply chains."

3. Expand the scope and enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in hiring and work, providing equal opportunities to and within employment regardless of identity.

4. Insert new paragraph and (and renumber): “Ensure neurodiversity is not discriminated against in both hiring and employment by adopting neurodiversity-friendly hiring and workplace practices in the public sector and incentivising similar practices among private employers.”

1. Make mental healthcare part of the public healthcare system at no additional cost to individuals;
   1. Ensure Universal Health Coverage, in accordance with the WHO definition, with a public healthcare system that includes mental health care with no additional costs for individuals;

1. Make mental healthcare part of the public healthcare system at no additional cost to individuals;

2. Insert new paragraph (and renumber) “Work towards integrating physical, social and mental health care, increasing communication within and between services, and facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration. This will make services easier to navigate, and promote holistic, person-centred care.”

2. Reprioritise mental healthcare to be evidence-based and patient-first: a system that not only reduces mental illness via curative and rehabilitative care but also improves mental well-being via promotive and preventive care;

3. Insert new paragraph (and renumber) “Involve people with lived experience of mental health issues in the shaping and implementation of relevant mental health services (e.g., through independent advocacy)."

3. Provide EU-wide standards and best practices in diagnosing and treating mental illness to ensure a cohesive and understandable system, and equal access to care throughout the Member States;States, all of which can be used as an example for non-EU countries in the wider Europe;

5. As only 4 Member States meet the recommended number of 20 psychologists per 100,000 people, fund education to boost the number of psychologists to ensure that all Member States meet and eventually surpass this minimum;

5. The WHO has alerted the European region in its 2022 report Health and care workforce in Europe: time to act on European countries' lack of capability to respond to the worsening mental health situation due to the inadequaate number of health and care workers, especially insufficient recruitment of mental health professionals. To solve this crisis, the European countries need to take the WHO recommendations seriously, fund increased education of mental health professionals, promote healthy work life balance and take measures to protect the health and mental well-being of the workforce.

6. Increase funding for intersectional education, research, diagnosis and treatment of and caring for mental health with a special focus on gender and race to appropriately address the severity of this crisis.

7. Recognize, appropriately research and care for deteriorating mental health in the context of the climate crisis (eco-depression)

5. Ensure adequate mental healthcare for refugees and other migrants.

5. Ensure adequate mental healthcare for refugees.

6. Because the party of European greens has always formulated political proposals linking climate justice and social justice, our youth, who live with all their differences, whether it be visible disabilities or not visible, we urge the EP to act and follow every year with efficiency for:
   
   a)-binding links between for the new disability strategy and EU funding.
   
   b)- introducing GALI to harmonise disability data collection,
   
   by including any EU social surveys in order to regularly monitor, with the help of statistical data, the situation of people with disabilities in different domains affecting their quality of life.
   
   (As announced in its strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030).
   
   c)-Ensuring peer-learning exercise on digital youth work as well as peer-learning activity on innovative ways of financing youth work, young disabled people included to prevent mental health troubles by tackling and getting solutions to isolated families.