Mental disorders cost Europe around 800 billion euros a year. Italy, however, only allocates around 3% of the National Health Fund to mental health. To adequately address the challenges posed by these pathologies, an increase of at least 1.9 billion euros is needed over the next 3 years, to reach the minimum percentage of 5%. Mental health needs at least 2 billion more and 30% more staff, equal to around 7,500 operators. In fact, many are missing to be able to take care of all the people who need help, according to the National College of Directors of Mental Health Departments.
Precisely to underline the importance of mental health for the overall well-being of the individual and to claim a leading role in choices regarding this matter, several Italian Municipalities have created ‘Everyone4MentalHealth’, an initiative of the WHO Healthy Cities Network, promoted by the World Health Organization – recalls a note – with the aim of helping cities to spread awareness about public health and develop policies and programs for the well-being of citizens. Throughout October, the month in which World Mental Health Day is celebrated today, the local authorities participating in the initiative will promote meetings, activities and discussions on this topic. Several cities have already joined the call of the Network, which will remain open in the coming months, organizing initiatives in their territories: Milan, Verona, Turin, Ancona, Monza, Bergamo, Cisternino, Udine, San Mauro Pascoli, but others are joining in these hours.
“The WHO Healthy Cities Network – states Lamberto Bertolé, president of the Network and councilor for Welfare and health of the Municipality of Milan – was born from an assumption that even today, despite the long pandemic having shown us the opposite, struggles to find acceptance and feedback in the management of the national health system: cities are the places where the health needs of citizens manifest themselves and must therefore be protagonists in the construction of strategies and planning of interventions. Mental health has always been considered a second-class issue despite the fact that, especially in large urban centres, it has become clear in recent years how much this affects the quality of life of citizens. Putting it at the center of the debate must therefore be a priority for all institutions and an appeal is made from the Municipalities finds concreteness in many initiatives that will be carried out in the area. We hope not to be left alone in this challenge and we ask the Government and the healthcare system for an increasingly stronger and more effective response”.
Various initiatives are planned. Last October 6, at the Extra G7 Salute in Ancona, the show to raise awareness on mental health by comedians Ale&Franz took place in the presence of over 1,200 citizens. Today, October 10, the mental health tram will travel the streets of Milan to meet citizens and bring its message against stigma to the stops. Furthermore, dedicated film festivals, book presentations, debates with professionals and experts are planned. The intention is to put the topic at the center of the national debate, guide citizens towards knowledge of local services and promote the creation of synergies between the many associations working in this field.
Investment in mental health, as demonstrated by the ‘Headway – Mental Health Index 4.0’ report published last September by the Teha group, produces important benefits: if it is true, in fact, that mental disorders cost Europe around 800 billion euro per year, it is also true that every euro allocated to treatment and prevention generates a return of 4.5 euros, thanks to the reduction of healthcare costs and the improvement of productivity, also in the labor market. The report also highlights how mental disorders are now the third most common pathology among children under 15 in the EU. Among the most common ones are depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders. Such disorders not only place a burden on healthcare systems, but also limit the educational and social potential of many young people. It is important to work on access to services. According to Ipsos estimates, although 76% of Italians consider mental health as important as physical health, only 39% believe that the healthcare system provides equally effective treatments for both. Correct therapeutic adherence is also a central theme. A study published in 2022 in ‘The Lancet Psychiatry’ highlighted that a significant portion of patients discontinue treatment within the first 3 months. Other recent studies in Italy and around the world have confirmed that approximately 50% of patients who start drug therapy for mental health disorders, such as antidepressants or anxiolytics, tend to stop treatment earlier than expected due to the stigma associated with them.
“The Everyone4MentalHealth campaign – observes Alberto Siracusano, coordinator of the ministerial technical table for mental health – is an initiative of great value, which promotes a culture aimed at overcoming stigmas and prejudices that are still too widespread. Properly inform and encourage dialogue with experts and professionals is essential to change perceptions and demonstrate that ‘there is no health without mental health’. It is important to encourage discussion on the influence that crucial issues such as educational poverty, well-being in the workplace and social inclusion. through sport have on everyone’s lives. The commitment of these Municipalities is precious because their role is fundamental to develop inclusive policies that support the psychological well-being of communities – he concludes – represents a concrete model of how, through a collaboration between public, private and third sectors, we can build a more attentive and inclusive society”.
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