Mental health has moved to the centre of political agendas across Europe. Rapid technological, environmental, economic and societal changes are said to affect people’s ability to cope and maintain well-being across the life course. On a political level, the European Commission’s Comprehensive approach to mental health recognises the need for a holistic response based on the guiding principles of adequate and effective prevention; access to high quality and affordable mental healthcare; and social inclusion after recovery (European Commission, 2023). Particular attention is given to children and young people, stigma reduction, workforce capacity, and stronger investment in mental health systems.
Despite increased visibility, important implementation gaps remain. Services are often fragmented, health promotion and prevention remain underdeveloped, and community-level determinants are insufficiently addressed. Stigma, discrimination and human rights violations against people with mental health conditions add to the burden (World Health Organization, 2022).
As mental health outcomes are shaped by social determinants, economic insecurity, educational systems, digital environments, housing, climate anxiety and exposure to conflict and instability, public health has a central role to play. At the same time, primary health care (PHC) is often the first and sometimes only point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health problems. Yet PHC professionals frequently report limited resources, lack of political commitment, and weak connections to services at other levels of health care & to other sectors (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2025).
The result is a structural gap: public health strategies operate at population level, while primary care responds at individual level. Communities experience the consequences in everyday life. Bridging these levels is essential. Through collaboration with WHO on mental health capacity building, work is underway to strengthen the interface between public mental health functions and primary health care. This includes a shift towards community-based, primary care-anchored models that strengthen mental health competencies, integrate dedicated (public) mental health professionals and improve coordination with specialist services. However, this requires investment in cross-sectoral capacity building, sufficient financing, community infrastructure and robust mental health data monitoring (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2025).
Beyond the required robust data and theoretical framework, policy approaches such as the whole-of-society approach show promise. The question is not only how to treat mental illness more effectively, but how to embed mental well-being into societal structures. The whole-of-society approach recognizes the shared responsibility of peers, governments, health and social care providers, schools, and communities. School- and community-based mental health programs, digital literacy initiatives, and gender-responsive strategies are relevant in mitigating risk and promoting resilience, especially among young people.
However, sustainable investment is needed, which must prioritise upstream prevention, workforce support and community-based models of care.
This focus directly supports the overarching theme of European Public Health Week: “Investing for sustainable health and well-being.” Investing in mental health is not only about expanding services. It is about aligning systems, empowering communities, and strengthening the foundations of societal resilience.