Depression and anxiety rank among the most common illnesses in OECD countries, significantly affecting public health, well-being, and the broader economy. But what solutions exist to address this challenge?
According to the OECD’s Mental Health Promotion and Prevention report, one in five adults in OECD and EU nations displays mild to moderate depressive symptoms.
These symptoms frequently remain unnoticed and untreated, elevating the chances of escalation to severe disorders and increasing societal expenses overall.
Countries such as Czechia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Portugal record a higher incidence of moderate to severe depressive symptoms among their native populations.
Women are particularly susceptible to mental health issues during pivotal life phases like pregnancy and postpartum periods.
The study estimates postpartum depression prevalence at 16.6% in Central-Eastern Europe, 16.3% in Southern Europe, and 13.8% in Northern Europe.
Mental health problems were estimated to cost 4% of GDP across the 27 EU countries and the UK in 2015.
The expenses associated with treating mental illnesses can be up to 20 times higher, varying according to severity.
A German study from 2019 estimated six-month treatment costs for mental disorders at €511 for mild symptoms, €2,417 for moderate symptoms, and €10,485 for severe cases.
Financial demands of treatment, long travel distances, and waiting periods to consult professionals often impede access to mental health care.
On average, around two-thirds of those requiring mental health services in OECD member states and the 27 EU countries do not receive treatment.
Mental Health Initiatives Across the EU
Nonetheless, several EU nations have implemented programs aimed at improving access to mental health support, which have demonstrated potential to reduce symptom severity and duration by as much as 87%.
By late 2023, 14 out of the 27 EU member states offered mental health services accessible directly, without requiring referrals, either at national or regional levels.
For instance, the Netherlands launched youth walk-in centres, including the @Ease program that trains students and frontline workers to assist young adults experiencing mental distress.
Similarly, Belgium lowered access barriers by partially or fully reimbursing psychological therapy costs and creating mental health professional networks in schools, workplaces, and social services.
These measures have led to increased school attendance and reduced work absenteeism, with improvements reported between 50% and 61%.
Additional examples include postpartum depression screening initiatives in Poland and online mental health tools in Germany.