Pregledni rad
Mental Health as a Growing Public Health Challenge
Martina Rojnić Kuzman
Sažetak
According to the World Health Organization, mental health is defined as being not just the absence of disease, but rather a state of psychological well-being that enables an individual to deal with everyday stress, work effectively and actively participate in their community. In the European Union, the incidence of mental disorders is about 27%, accounting for a significant share of the total weight of disease and disability. Unfortunately, a large number of patients are not submitted to the health system, and even fewer receive adequate treatment, which points to grave deficiencies in the accessibility and regulation of care.
Key challenges include major differences in access to and quality of mental healthcare in European countries, lack of qualified personnel, poor working conditions and a high level of burnout among health professionals. There are also disparities in ethical standards and outdated codes that are not in line with modern developments such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation. New global challenges, including climate change and geopolitical crises, are adding to the increase in mental health disorders among people.
The proposed solutions include harmonizing care and education standards, strengthening and holding onto health workers, applying digital technologies and telepsychiatry, and developing modern ethical frameworks. There is a need to further invest in prevention, research, and public health methods. An integrated approach to mental health across all policies (“health in all policies”) is essential and is to be aimed at reducing inequalities, improving healthcare access, and strengthening the overall health of individuals and communities.
Ključne riječi
Europe, mental health, psychiatry, public health
Hrčak ID:
349184
URI
Datum izdavanja:
10.7.2026.
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