BRUSSELS – ANSWER. An entire generation – European teenagers and children of our time – lives in constant tension due to ongoing crises one after another: the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, energy poverty. In fact, according to her recent report Commission, two years of a pandemic and severe restrictions have had a negative impact on the mental health of children and young people. Before the pandemic, between 10% and 20% of minors and young people in the EU experienced mental health problems. Today, this percentage has jumped to 20-25%, which is considered quite high. For this reason, the mental health of children and young people is becoming one of the main priorities of the Commission in the context of the EU’s common policy. on mental health, which was presented yesterday in Brussels and includes 20 initiatives, as well as EU funding of 1.23 billion euros. from various financial instruments to member states.

The “side effects” of the pandemic on the psyche of the world’s population and especially on young people, such as isolation, a generalized sense of impasse, a sense of threat, contributed to the increase in suicides. Particularly shocking is the fact that, according to the latest UNICEF data, suicide is now the second leading cause of death for young people under the age of 20. “The numbers speak for themselves,” said Margaritis Schinas, Vice President of the European Commission, highlighting how the pandemic has affected young Europeans “due to wasted time and missed opportunities” and also “due to the disastrous use” of social media. which also contributed to the increase in online bullying phenomena. For her part, Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakidou referred to the measures being promoted under this approach, including the European Depression and Suicide Prevention Initiative and the creation of the European Code of Mental Health.

“It’s okay not to be okay,” the Commission sends a message.

Characteristically, before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were already 84 million people, that is, one in six, in the EU. suffered from mental health problems, according to the data provided by the commission, while we are talking about a worsening situation in the recent period. For this reason, the new approach of the EU. will now focus on adequate and effective prevention, access to high quality and affordable mental health care, and reintegration into society. At the same time will seek a quick diagnosis.

The main goal of the new policy approach is to “overcome the stigmatization that exists in terms of mental health,” the responsible commissioner said, using the message “it’s okay not to be okay” with the vice president of the commission.

In addition, for EU youth to invest in education and skills development to promote mental health through various policies and programmes, while for the protection of children and young people, a mental health network is being built, better protection on the Internet and social networks, and the development of special means of prevention. At the same time, special attention will be paid to people, especially children, from areas where there are conflicts, for example, displaced people from Ukraine, and targeted support is also expected for vulnerable groups.