Euphoria 8: Did We Forget About Mental Health? - The EU Elections Podcast
May 16, 2024
Karl Lavò, a Policy and Communication Officer at Gamian Europe, discusses the alarming neglect of mental health in European politics, especially post-Covid-19. He emphasizes the absence of mental health considerations in campaign manifestos and the urgency of integrating these issues into political dialogues. The conversation highlights the pressing mental health challenges facing youth and the need for comprehensive EU policies. Lavò also advocates for grassroots initiatives to ensure mental health gains a pivotal role in the upcoming European Parliament elections.
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Mental Health Missing From Campaigns
- European election campaigns and debates largely ignore mental health despite rising need after the pandemic.
- Hosts highlight the topic's absence and call for parties to put mental health on the agenda.
Manifestos Offer Mostly Vague Promises
- Research of party manifestos shows very limited commitments to mental health across European political groups.
- Most mentions are vague promises like 'action plans' without clear resources or measures.
Pandemic Worsened Youth Mental Health
- Mental health problems increased during the pandemic, affecting especially young people and existing cases.
- Suicide remains a leading cause of death for younger generations, underlining urgent need for action.