EU to Support Mental Health Initiatives with €1.23bn
The European Commission says it will support various mental health initiatives across the globe with 1.23bn euros, which is approximately 1.32bn U.S. dollars.
The commission aimed to put mental health at par with physical health by focusing on prevention, access to mental healthcare and treatment, and reintegration after recovery, it stated in a press release.
The move came after the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the psychological well-being of many Europeans, the commission said.
The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, said, “Mental health is as important to our well-being as physical health.”
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While the said EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, noted, “We need to break down stigma and discrimination so that those in need can reach out and receive the support they need. It is ok not to be ok, and it is our duty to ensure that everyone asking for help has access to it.”
Vulnerable persons, including children and people fleeing the war in Ukraine, are to benefit in particular from the extra funding, the Commission revealed, adding that the aim is also to promote mental well-being at work.
“Around half of European workers consider stress to be common in their workplace and it contributes to around half of all lost working days,” said EU Commissioner for Jobs Nicolas Schmit.
The commission estimates that not improving mental health in the bloc costs 600 billion euros per year.
