Europe joins forces on mental health (long version)

11% of Europe's citizens suffer from mental disorders. Depression, phobias, and dependency on medication and alcohol are all rising, and they can often have disastrous consequences. Every nine minutes someone commits suicide in the European Union. This situation, which is both intolerable for the people involved and a staggering financial burden, is now being addressed by EU Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou. She recently launched the European Pact for Mental Health and Well-being, which was devised in partnership with the Member States and other key stakeholders. Its goal is to promote best practices throughout the EU. As will be perfectly demonstrated by World Mental Health Day on 10 October, mental health is now a priority in Europe.

European Commission | January 31, 2009

Tags:. .phobias. .intolerable. .disastrous. .pact. .devised