Personal burden of mental ill health

Here, we will discuss issues such as reduced quality of life, disability and mental disorders, but also social exclusion, stigmatisation and discrimination; fundamental rights and dignity of people receiving treatment or care; reduced employment opportunities, and the risk of falling into a poverty trap.

Social and economic costs of mental ill health

Mental ill health is not only a challenge for the affected citizens and their families. It also imposes significant costs to society and its economic, educational, social, criminal and justice systems. It has been estimated that the economic costs of mental ill health result in a loss of up to 3-4% of the EU's GDP, mainly through lost of productivity.

Mental illness makes a major contribution to the overall burden of disease in high-income countries, and can be especially disruptive of careers and productivity.

This section will build also on the outcomes of the MHEEN project.

Mental health as resource for prosperity and growth

There is no health without mental health. At individual level, mental health and well-being enables people to realise their intellectual, social and emotional potential. It also supports them to make healthy choices and enhance their health literacy. Furthermore, good mental health is an important resource for society, more particularly for social cohesion, economic welfare and prosperity.

This line of thought is also an important argument for the development of an integrated EU mental health strategy.