Lack of Psychiatric Treatment in EU Countries Leads to Suicides

  In EU countries, one in 25 people is diagnosed with depression.One out of every 20 citizens suffers from mental confusion or anxiety.Yet the healthcare systems of these countries are unable to provide effective treatment for such mental illnesses.The European Data Journalism Network and a Spanish news agency have published analytical material with the data.

European Reports Chart:

Statistics show that all people in the EU member states who suffer from mental health problems and need treatment are not treated but are often not examined or even diagnosed.A 2017 report, funded by the European Commission, found that although mental health services are available in European countries, about 56% of patients with severe depression do not receive treatment.

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There is also a big difference between the old member states of the European Union and the new European countries joining the alliance.Poland and Romania, for example, have the lowest number of patients with mental illness, such as depression and anxiety, compared to other member states.

The most important issues

Mason Rodinska, a spokeswoman for Mental Health Europe, a non-governmental organization that advises EU organizations on health policy, said:

 There are three main issues:

• Fear of stigma
• Waiting times
• Fees

This was confirmed by the European Commission's 2017 report.

Maria, a Romanian psychiatrist, says, "Going to a psychiatrist and the process of counseling is considered a source of fear and embarrassment." Does not speak openly No one wants to be labeled 'crazy or insane'.

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However, according to a 2016 survey, even if people overcome the fear of stigma.Citizens may still face barriers to mental health treatment.There is evidence that global access to public health care and access to mental health care systems.Even in high-income countries, can be unsatisfactory.

Open Doors vs Hidden Waits

An investigation by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has also revealed that citizens in the UK face similar problems with mental health services.The patient pays for the first appointment with the specialist, which is later refunded by the healthcare services.Appointments for second and future appointments with a psychologist are not made earlier than six weeks.

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When mental illness is not treated in time, people commit suicide.

In contrast, in the northeastern city of Europe, under the 'open door policy', clinics are open to everyone 24 hours a day without any appointment.As a result, there has been a marked reduction in hospital admissions, a significant reduction in patients waiting to see specialists for treatment and above all, a significant reduction in suicides.

A Very Late Solution

Although therapy is officially available for free, it is not accessible.In at least seven EU member states, patients have to wait at least a month to see a psychologist.

In a country like Germany, where the proportion of health care workers or health care staff members and patients is optimal, patients have to wait four to five months.