Concluding Remarks

Concluding Remarks

2015, 11, (Suppl 1: M8) 124 | J. M. Caldas de Almeida
The concluding remarks highlight the significant prevalence and impact of mental disorders in Europe, emphasizing that no group is immune. Mental disorders can severely affect both children and adults, causing substantial suffering and disability. There is growing evidence that mental disorders often onset during childhood and can have long-lasting effects on physical and mental health later in life. Positive mental health and well-being are crucial for social cohesion, economic progress, and sustainable development in the EU. Despite significant efforts by the EU and member states to address these issues through the creation of indicators, guidelines, and networks, a large proportion of the population, including children and adolescents, still lacks access to adequate mental health care. Barriers to effective implementation include lack of policy commitment, insufficient resources, resistance to innovation, and inadequate integration of mental health into other policies. The European Pact for Mental Health and Well-being, launched in 2008, underscores the need for decisive political action to prioritize mental health and well-being. A Joint Action on Mental Health and Well-being, including a working group on mental health and well-being in schools, was established in 2012 to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of future initiatives. This report confirms the importance of children and adolescents' mental health as a public health issue and highlights the effectiveness of school-based programs in promoting mental health and well-being. The findings suggest that while progress has been made, much more can be done to enhance mental health policies and interventions in Europe.The concluding remarks highlight the significant prevalence and impact of mental disorders in Europe, emphasizing that no group is immune. Mental disorders can severely affect both children and adults, causing substantial suffering and disability. There is growing evidence that mental disorders often onset during childhood and can have long-lasting effects on physical and mental health later in life. Positive mental health and well-being are crucial for social cohesion, economic progress, and sustainable development in the EU. Despite significant efforts by the EU and member states to address these issues through the creation of indicators, guidelines, and networks, a large proportion of the population, including children and adolescents, still lacks access to adequate mental health care. Barriers to effective implementation include lack of policy commitment, insufficient resources, resistance to innovation, and inadequate integration of mental health into other policies. The European Pact for Mental Health and Well-being, launched in 2008, underscores the need for decisive political action to prioritize mental health and well-being. A Joint Action on Mental Health and Well-being, including a working group on mental health and well-being in schools, was established in 2012 to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of future initiatives. This report confirms the importance of children and adolescents' mental health as a public health issue and highlights the effectiveness of school-based programs in promoting mental health and well-being. The findings suggest that while progress has been made, much more can be done to enhance mental health policies and interventions in Europe.
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