How are EU countries responding, amid serious mental health problems?

2025-10-23 17:54:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Depression and anxiety are the most prevalent conditions in OECD countries and have a significant impact on the health and well-being of a population, as well as on the economy in general.

But is there a solution to address this issue?

One in five adults in OECD and EU countries experience mild to moderate depressive symptoms, according to the OECD's report on Mental Health Promotion and Prevention.

Symptoms often go unrecognized and untreated, increasing the risk of progression to more severe conditions and increasing overall societal costs.

The Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg and Portugal report a higher prevalence of moderate or severe depressive symptoms among native-born individuals.

Women are more susceptible to mental illness during important events, such as pregnancy and postpartum.

According to the study, the prevalence of postpartum depression was estimated at 16.6% for Central-Eastern Europe, 16.3% for Southern Europe, and 13.8% for Northern Europe.

The total cost of mental health problems was estimated at 4% of GDP in the 27 EU countries and the United Kingdom in 2015.

The medical cost of treating mental illness can be up to 20 times higher, depending on the level of severity.

A German study found that in 2019, the six-month cost of treating mental disorders was estimated at 511 euros for mild symptoms, 2,417 euros for moderate symptoms, and 10,485 euros for severe symptoms.

The cost of treatment, long-distance travel, and wait times to see a medical professional are major barriers for people seeking help for mental health problems.

On average, two-thirds of individuals in need of mental health care are estimated to have no access to treatment in OECD countries and the 27 EU member states.

Mental health initiatives across the EU

However, some EU countries have initiatives for access to mental health support that can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms by up to 87%.

By the end of 2023, 14 out of 27 member states had mental health services that could be accessed directly without referral at national or regional level.

For example, the Netherlands has established youth centers with regular meetings, such as the @Ease program, which trains students and frontline professionals to help young people with mental health concerns.

Meanwhile, in Belgium, there has been a reduction in access barriers by partially or fully reimbursing the cost of psychological therapy, as well as by creating networks for mental health professionals in schools, workplaces and social services.

These interventions have resulted in an increase in school attendance and a decrease in absenteeism, with reported increases ranging from 50% to 61%.

Some other examples are postpartum depression screenings in Poland and online tools in Germany./ CNA