Research in mental health receives a huge boost

In Denmark and in the rest of Europe, the number of people experiencing depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders is increasing. Mental health accounts for 26 percent of the total disease burden in Europe.

With a new grant of EUR 7 million, a major research project will attempt to reverse this trend. The grant is awarded by Horizon Europe to the University of Copenhagen, along with eleven other European universities and health organizations.

"The goal is to provide politicians and practitioners with hands-on strategies to prevent mental health concerns and promote initiatives for vulnerable segments of the population," says Wietse Anton Tol, a professor of global mental health at the University of Copenhagen who leads the project.

"Overall, the mental health systems in Europe are struggling. In Denmark, for example the clinical mental health system has trouble meeting the demand. Also in research, there is a lot of focus on treatment and specialized clinical services. A complementary way to manage the rising mental health needs is to try to prevent them," says Wietse Anton Tol.

The research project will span over five years, during which the researchers will conduct research, do intervention studies, and ultimately develop concrete strategies for both policymakers and practitioners in the social and healthcare sectors.

Structural injustice

Among other things, the project will focus on particularly vulnerable groups in Europe. In Denmark and Italy, for example, it includes migrants; in Germany, it focuses on young people affected by climate change; in Lithuania, it targets impoverished youth; in the Netherlands it focuses on adults in the workplace; and in Switzerland, it aims at older adults at risk of cognitive difficulties.

"There are very different target groups, and I believe that is one of the strengths of the project. We look at populations across the lifespan, including young people, adults, and older adults, all facing a higher risk for mental health concerns," says Wietse Anton Tol.

The project’s perspective on mental health is characterized by a focus on inequality, through a structural injustice lens.

"I believe the structural injustice perspective is crucial because prevention research often deals with structural problems at the root of mental health problems. It is not fair to focus solely on the individual without addressing these structural issues," says Wietse Anton Tol, providing an example:

"Workplaces has been affected by increased stress due to, for example, extensive digitalization. You can get a WhatsApp message at any time of the day. So you're always on in the 24-hour economy.  We want to understand how useful it is to look at changing workplaces as well as teaching employees stress management skills.”

You can read more here. 

Contact

Professor Wietse Antol Tol
wietse.tol@sund.ku.dk
+4535330050