On 7 June 2023, the Commission adopted the Communication on a comprehensive approach to mental health, which will help Member States and stakeholders to take swift action to deal with mental health challenges. The Communication is a starting point for a new approach. A comprehensive, prevention-oriented and multi-stakeholder approach to mental health has been developed after extensive consultation with Member States, stakeholders and citizens. The new approach recognises that mental health strongly involves many policy areas, such as employment, education, research, digitalisation, urban planning, culture, environment and climate. This cross-sectoral approach aims to put physical health on par with mental health. The initiative builds on existing policies, approaches and actions. The Communication’s 20 flagships – with financing opportunities worth EUR 1.23 billion – will directly and indirectly support Member States in achieving a comprehensive approach to mental health.

P.5 People's health is influenced by their life experiences and environments in which they spend their lives. Health determinants, from nutrition and physical activity, harmful consumption of alcohol, tobacco and drugs, as well as environmental, social and commercial determinants, including living conditions, better housing, clean air, access to sport, culture, and green areas, and a better work-life balance, as well as risks of violence all have an important impact on mental health.

P.8 Digital tools can have a positive impact on mental health (e.g. by providing access to information, support groups, and therapy services) but can also affect mental health negatively. A move towards a safer and healthier digital space for children42 is needed. This includes: protecting them from inappropriate content, the intrusive harvesting of information and aggressive online marketing of unhealthy food, beverages, beauty standards and alcohol and tobacco, a prudent use of social media, addressing online child sexual abuse, access to illicit drugs and new psychoactive substances, with safeguards against cyberbullying, hate speech, excessive screentime and the digital editing of images; a well-balanced use of gaming, which helps to prevent compulsive use and negative effects on daily life.

P.13 The Commission invites Member States to identify children as a priority target group in their national mental health strategies and build up networks with families, schools, youth, and other stakeholders and institutions involved in mental health of children. Member States are urged to ensure that children have better access to mental health services, as well as equal and easy access to healthy nutrition and regular physical activity, live in safe and supportive environments, and are protected from consumption of alcohol, tobacco and drug-use problems and negative impacts of digital use... 

P.20 It is essential to identify best practices and innovative solutions to improve the availability, quality, accessibility and affordability of mental health care. To address inequalities, tailored care should be provided to people in vulnerable situations, including displaced people, refugees, migrants, persons with disabilities and LGBTIQ people. The special care needs of people with comorbidities should also be addressed to facilitate access to effective treatments, in particular for people with drug-use disorders, in line with the EU Drugs Strategy 2021-2025 and the related Action Plan.