Growing Mental Health Crisis Among European Youths, WHO Warns

Mental health issues among children and teenagers in Europe are escalating, with the World Health Organization reporting that one in seven Europeans under twenty years old now has a mental health condition.

This represents a one-third increase over the past fifteen years. The report highlights a significant disparity, noting that one in four girls aged fifteen to nineteen report mental health challenges. Factors contributing to this crisis include social isolation, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing geopolitical conflicts, and socioeconomic instability.

As indicated by the report, regions like the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Denmark show a higher ranking in mental wellbeing, while countries like Ukraine, Cyprus, and Poland report among the lowest levels of mental health.

Access to professional mental health support is a pressing issue, with approximately one-quarter of European nations lacking community-based mental health services for young people. Furthermore, one in five countries reportedly lacks dedicated mental health policies.

Dr. Joao Breda from the WHO emphasized the critical need for every child and young person to have access to mental health support and high-quality care. The data compiled in this report is the first of its kind to provide a comprehensive look at child and youth mental health across the WHO's European region, which includes fifty-three countries.

It highlights the urgent necessity for in-person mental health care, especially as young individuals increasingly turn to AI chatbot services for emotional support, which can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes.

The WHO is urging nations to enhance mental health services and revamp programs to better cater to the needs of young people. By taking immediate action, countries can foster resilient systems that empower future generations to thrive, according to Dr.