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MENTAL HEALTH EUROPE NEWSLETTER | ISSUE N° 2 | FEBRUARY 2022
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European Mental Health Week: Speak Up for Mental Health
The 2022 European Mental Health Week will run from Monday 9 May until Friday 13 May 2022. This year’s campaign, with an overarching goal to mobilise people behind key policy asks, will include proposals for specific effective measures to support positive mental health in Europe and beyond.
This third edition will provide an opportunity to work together with everyone for good mental health. The focus this year will be on young people since youth is a critical moment in building a solid foundation for mentally healthy years ahead.
Recent data paints a grim picture for youth mental health in Europe due to the consequences of the pandemic. The current situation in Ukraine and its repercussions all over Europe will leave their mark too, with war-related trauma particularly impacting children’s and young people’s mental well-being. Now more than ever, it is evident that urgent and immediate policy action is needed. We cannot wait any longer to protect the mental health of young people in Europe.
This year’s theme ‘Speak Up for Mental Health’ will shine the spotlight on youth mental health. Watch this space and keep an eye on the website for the latest updates.
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More from Mental Health Europe |
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MHE’s alternative report for the second review of the European Union by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD)
MHE is proud to publish its alternative report on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) by the European Union (EU). MHE's alternative report was produced in cooperation with its members' experts on mental health and human rights. The report sheds a light on the needs and challenges faced by people with psychosocial disabilities and mental health problems in Europe.
Read it here
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State of Health in the EU event by the European Policy Centre
MHE Board Member Paul Bomke spoke at the European Policy Centre (EPC) event on 8 February about the State of Health in the EU to discuss about the mental health impact of the health workforce, where he highlighted: 1/ the need to focus more on community and peers than on institutions and 2/ addressing mental health is very much about managers, leadership and training. He stressed the importance of investing in education and training of the healthcare workforce while equipping management with the tools to prevent mental ill-health of their staff.
Watch the full event video
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Resilience Lunch Breaks
MHE Board Member Paul Bomke took part in the first ‘Resilience Lunch Breaks’ - a new discussion series on mental health in challenging times. He emphasised the need to focus on the systemic issues, promote peer work, recovery and community-based services.
To find out more and to watch this space for future events
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Updates from EU institutions and international organisations
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European Parliament
On 17 February, the European Parliament voted in favour of a resolution on ‘Empowering European youth: post-pandemic employment and social recovery’. This resolution focuses on ways to address the devastating effect of the COVID-19 crisis on young Europeans’ employment and education and includes several recommendations on mental health.
See the resolution
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European Parliament
MEP Maria Walsh, co-chair of the European Parliament Coalition on Mental Health and Wellbeing, delivered a speech at the European Parliament Plenary on youth empowerment. She highlighted the need to increase mental health and wellbeing support for our young people; break the cycle where we stigmatise mental health; deliver stronger mental health measures.
View it here
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WHO
The new WHO/Europe guide calls on policymakers and governments to listen to the needs, perspectives and experiences of young people when making decisions or policies affecting their health. These include policies that are part of a national child and adolescent health strategy, or those related to youth and adolescent health services.
Read the guide
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In case you missed it
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Social Europe
A mental-health strategy for Europe >>
Euractiv
MEPs warn against upcoming ‘global mental health crisis >>
BBC
Children's mental health: Huge rise in severe cases, BBC analysis reveals >>
Open Access Government
Can child poverty stimulate mental health disorders in adulthood? >>
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The Conversation
Words about mental health need to align with people’s understanding of well being >>
CNN
Mental health is on full display at the Winter Olympics >>
University of Bath
Researchers call for greater clarity over what constitutes ‘a mental health problem’ >>
John Hopkins
Study looks at influences on children's mental health >>
The Brussels Times
Belgian researchers take part in international study on the impact of the pandemic on bereavement >>
The Lancet
Depression and anxiety during COVID-19 >>
Independent
Record number of children referred for serious mental health issues in pandemic >>
BBC
'Talking helps us acknowledge feelings' >>
Open Access Government
How is mental health treatment burdened by geography? >>
The London School of Economics
Increasing access to treatment for common maternal mental health problems could have a net benefit of half a billion pounds >>
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Calls, events & opportunities
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EMDR Europe
First Members-led Webinar - The role of trauma and stress in mental health | 1 March 2022
Register
WHO & ILO
Webinar on employment for persons with psychosocial disabilities | 1 March 2022
Watch the webinar
Mind & Race on the Agenda (ROTA)
UK Mental Health Act reform: Can it deliver racial justice and ensure the rights and wellbeing of people with mental health problems? | 9 March 2022
Read more
Yale University
Women's Mental Health Conference | 6-7 May 2022
Learn more
European Parliament
The European Parliament’s Positive Action selection procedure for people with disabilities is open and the application | Deadline: 7 March 2022
Find out more and apply
Yale University
The Planning Committee for the Women’s Mental Health Conference at Yale is seeking session proposals for 20-minute presentations. All selected session speakers will be compensated with a $100 honorarium. | Applications are due February 28, 2022.
Session Proposal Submission Form
French Presidency of the European Union
‘Ministerial Conference on Mental Health of vulnerable young people in the EU’ | 14-15 March 2022
Register
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Voices from the ground
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Тhe European Youth Platform for Mental Health
The European Youth Platform for Mental Health proposes that part of the NextGenerationEU funds should be used to create the European Youth Platform for Mental Health. This platform aims to be online, institutional, open, available in every EU language, serving as a hub between users (mostly youngsters) and accredited psychologists.
Learn more
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On Social Media
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“The broad social determinants of poor mental health demand a holistic, Europe-wide approach.”
“The pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health for the quality of life and wellbeing of citizens, as well as the structural deficits in care among public health systems in Europe.”
“We are at a crucial moment, when the urgency of strengthening mental health systems needs to be recognised.”
MEP Estrella Durá calls for a mental health strategy for Europe.
— Mental Health Europe
15 Feb 2022
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“At a fiercely competitive time for top young talent, Generation Z are prioritising mental health & company ESG success more than any generation before.”
“According to a study by Deloitte in 2017, 84% of employees suffer from poor mental health at work, while a separate survey from Rand in 2014 revealed 69% of respondents hide their conditions due to the stigma surrounding mental health.”
— Mental Health Europe 4 Feb 2022
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Wellbeing Tip of the Month
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Connect with nature by going out for a walk.
Our #MentalHealth tip
Go for a walk:
Did you know that nature prescriptions were named one of the top 8 global wellness trends in 2019? Research shows that people who spend more time in nature are happier and healthier. A new program in Canada now gives doctors the option of prescribing national park visits. This is a unique concept that a few other countries are starting to adopt.
Read the article
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With support from the European Union Programme for Rights, Equality and Citizenship.