EC Moves To Boost Mental Health

The mental health of the populations of European Union member states varies widely. Suicide rates in Greece are the lowest in the EU at 3.6 per 100,000. Meanwhile, Lithuania records 44 deaths per 100,000. Scotland's rate for 2004 was 15.9 per 100,000 – down from 17.3 in 2000. There are also major differences in how member states respond to mental health needs and what percentages of health budgets are spent doing so.

Now, the European Commission is seeking opinions on a draft strategy to promote improvement in mental health across the continent.

Proposals

The Commission has produced a green paper (an early draft for discussion) in order to gather views. It proposes action in four areas:

  1. Promoting the mental health of all
  2. Addressing mental Ill health through preventive action
  3. Improving the quality of life of people with mental ill health or disability through social inclusion and the protection of their rights and dignity
  4. Developing a mental health information, research and knowledge system for the EU.

Questions for consultation

As well as comments on the four proposed areas for action, they ask whether a Europe-wide strategy on mental health improvement is likely to be helpful. Among other things, they also want to know what importance people place on the mental health of populations in relation to other EU aims (such as freedom, justice and equality).

Who should respond?

Views are sought from European institutions, governments, health professionals, researchers, service-user organisations, community groups and leaders, voluntary organisations and other members of civil society. However, we'd encourage anyone with insights into the issues covered to let researchers at the Commission hear their thoughts.

Download your copy of the draft strategy below. Responses should reach the Commission no later than 31st May 2006.

Let us know what you think too!

The National Programme team would also like to know what you think of the European Commission's proposals. If you're making a submission, we'd be grateful if you'd 'copy us in' to the email or pop a paper copy in the post. Our email address is wellscotland@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Further Information

To find out more about what the Commission is doing to improve mental health, visit the Health and Consumer Protection Directorate General's mental health pages.

Green Paper – Improving the mental health of the population: towards a strategy on mental health for the European Union