One of the most prevalent mental illnesses in Europe
Depression is also one of the most expensive and unnecessarily painful for the societies it affects. Currently, depression is the biggest factor leading to suicide. The key strategies for preventing and dealing with depression and suicide include the promotion of good mental health, early detection, preventive measures, and adequate treatment of those who are affected by mental diseases. When it comes to preventing suicide, comprehensive, multidisciplinary early childhood programs have been found to produce the best results (DiNitto and Johnson, 2016).
Early childhood development programs
Early childhood development programs are acknowledged as the most economical interventions. An early relationship that is nurturing between children and caregivers promotes long-term mental well-being and health. Harsh parenting, corporal punishment and child abuse, both mental and physical, is strongly associated with adverse psychological impact. The mental well-being and health of children coming from families that are disadvantaged and have a history of mental disorder can be promoted using selective interventions. The whole-school programs result in a supportive environment while at the same time reduce risks associated with mental disorders (DiNitto and Johnson, 2016).
History of the Problem
In 2006, the EU Sustainable Development Strategy recognized tackling suicide risks and improving mental health as one of the key operational objectives of the interventions programs in the public health field. From this point, dealing with mental health and suicide became one of the main focuses of the European Union policy-making (World Health Organization, 1981).
Present Status of the Problem
Nine percent of men and seventeen percent of women in the member countries of the European Union suffer from major depression. The effect major depression has on the quality of life has been estimated to be similar to that of severe physical illness such as severe stroke. Following its early onset, depression has been observed to make a big contribution to the burden of mental health problems in developing nations.
Depression is currently resulting in an increased percentage of sickness spells as well as early retirements in the European Union
People suffering from major depression in Europe report more than nine times more working days lost as compared to people without any cases of mental disorders. Patients suffering from major depression have been observed to lose more work days as compared to people with diabetes or heart diseases (World Health Organization, 1981).
Population Affected by the Problem
The populations affected by this problem are the European Union Member States and European Union citizens with the number of female suicide mortality cases being higher than that of men. The comprehensive approach develops intervention action across sectors at different levels and this includes individual, community, family, region, nation and the EU (World Health Organization, 1981).
Organizations Addressing the Problem
The main organization that is out to deal with this problem is the European Commission that is aimed at reducing inequalities in health. Inequalities have been observed to be significant in the cases of suicide. Some of the Member States have recorded low suicide rates while others have rates that highest in the world.
References
DiNitto, D.M., & Johnson, D.H. (2016). Social welfare: Politics and public policy. New York, NY: Pearson
World Health Organization. (1981). Mental health policy formulation in the WHO European region: Report on a meeting of national mental health advisers, Bielefeld, 26-30 November 1979. Geneva: World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe
