Brussels, 05/12/2006 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 5 December, the European Commission published a report about the results of a consultation on a Green Paper on Mental Health, launched in October 2005. On the same occasion, it presented the results of an Eurobarometer survey on mental wellbeing. The survey indicates that stigma is not overwhelming but it is significant with 37% of respondents thinking that people with psychological problems constitute a danger to others. Most respondents to the consultation called for an EU mental health strategy to foster mental health prevention and promotion and to combat stigma.
In its Green Paper on “Improving the mental health of the population. Towards a strategy on mental health for the EU”, published in October 2005, the European Commission suggests the development of a comprehensive strategy on mental health at EU level. The report published today summarises the 234 responses received by the Commission. On the basis of these responses, the Commission will now put out a communication to define a strategy geared to mental health promotion and prevention, as well as to improving the situation of persons suffering from mental health problems by combating the stigma and discrimination to which they are victim. This strategy should be based on the Community action programme on health, research activity under the Community framework programme and increased exchange of experience and cooperation between Member States. The communication is expected for the second half of 2007.
The report on the consultation on mental health may be consulted at the following address: http: //ec.europa.eu/health/ph_determinants/life_style/mental_health_en.htm. Eurobarometer on mental wellbeing may be consulted at: http: //ec.europa.eu/health/ph_publication/eurobarometers_en.htm.