Addressing challenges to mental health in Europe: Trends and services

Poor mental health, especially anxiety and depression, affects many people in the EU. Trends impacting mental health include the change from physical to digital work environments, climate change, inequality and people’s concerns about their economic situation. While poor mental health was already prevalent before the COVID-19 crisis, the pandemic has made it clear that even groups deemed less vulnerable are at risk of poor mental health. Refugees escaping the war in Ukraine and other international conflicts constitute another group at high risk of poor mental health.

This report seeks to understand key trends and the prevalence of poor mental health among different population groups and to identify problems hindering access to support. It investigates policy measures in mental health services and actions taken outside such services (such as in schools and workplaces) to prevent or address poor mental health.