Mental health alert: Solutions and fresh insights from Horizon funded projects
EU Science, Research and Innovation
We bring you the latest news on EU science, research & innovation
Mental health is an integral part of our well-being. Beyond its medical features, mental health represents an increasing societal challenge that echoes the need for more inclusive and fairer societies. People with mental health issues are more likely to face social exclusion and stigma, especially those belonging to marginalised communities. On top of this, mental health issues can also hinder access to healthcare.?
?
An increasing priority??
According to a Flash Eurobarometer from June 2023, 46% of EU citizens had an emotional or psychosocial problem, such as feeling depressed or anxious, in the previous 12 months. As we are witnessing a growing challenge, we need a comprehensive approach with dedicated policies in different areas to strengthen mental health at individual level, as well as to support the resilience of our society at large.?
?
?
The EU’s commitment?
The European Commission has placed mental health at the forefront of its political agenda. In her political guidelines for the new European Commission (2024-2029), President Ursula von der Leyen announced the Commission’s intention to step up its work on preventive health - in particular for mental health - emphasising the need to protect the youngest: “I believe one of our greatest challenges in this decade is protecting the mental health of our children and young people – especially online”.?
?
Research and Innovation for Mental Health?
To tackle this challenge, research and innovation funding is key to deliver targeted solutions for the specific needs of people whose mental health is suffering, as well as to develop effective evidence-based tools and?policies to counter mental health-related challenges in areas such as health, education, social protection, and employment.?
Through its R&I funding programmes, the EU has supported research and innovation projects, which focus on various aspects of mental health such as:?
The current Framework Programme for research and innovation, Horizon Europe, provides multiple opportunities to pursue excellent research in different areas related to mental health. The arts and culture, for instance, provide powerful means of intervention as they impact positively on the well-being of people of all ages and origins such as the youth, elderly people, people with disabilities, refugees or other marginalised communities.?
领英推荐
?
The weight of inequalities on mental health?
Inequalities directly impact the mental health of vulnerable groups such as women, the LGBTIQ community, immigrants, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities. These inequalities manifest in various ways, such as:?
As a result, these groups face higher risks of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, which may be exacerbated by persistent discrimination and gender-based violence.?
The European Commission is strongly committed to combat all forms of inequality and discrimination, supporting research projects that focus on reducing stigma and promoting mental health awareness. It also actively promotes gender equality in research and innovation, and advocates for gender-sensitive healthcare policies across Europe.?
?
A call to action?
This Mental Health Day, let’s change the narrative. Let’s treat mental health with the same importance we give to physical health. Because true wellness means caring for both—body and mind. And when we do, we unlock the potential for a healthier, more compassionate world. Together, we can break the silence, erase the stigma, and create a culture where mental health is prioritized and nurtured, for ourselves and for one another.??
Citizens, researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, providers and innovators: let's leverage our collective expertise, resources, and humanity to bridge the gap!?
Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas on how we can collectively work towards a fair society where people’s well-being is at the forefront: [email protected]?
?