Increasing momentum in prevention of mental illness and mental health promotion across Europe

Abstract

Prevention of mental illness and mental health promotion activities across Europe have gathered some pace since the launch of the European Union's Pact for Mental Health and Well-Being in 2008. Within the context of a large treatment gap in mental health and limited resources to meet the high demand for mental healthcare, a concerted effort is now needed to ensure that initiatives in both mental illness prevention and mental health promotion become a fundamental part of where we are educated, work and live. Cost-effective, evidence-based approaches in prevention and promotion make these initiatives more accessible.