Work
05.September 2006 - 00:00
Improving the mental health of the population towards a strategy on mental health for the EU
Mr President,
First of all I should thank my colleague, Mr Bowis, for the work he has done. Furthermore, I am not just referring to this report, but to all his input and the vigour with which he has spoken on behalf of mental health work in Europe. I have been a Member of Parliament for seven years, and in all this time John Bowis has consistently kept this subject on the agenda. For me he is a heartening example of a politician who realises his vision of a better world with determination and steadfastness. It is only in this way that things change: when one does not yield to arbitrary political whims and trends but knows oneself what one is striving for and does it.
Mental health problems are something which it is easy to keep quiet about. There is a strong stigma attached to such types of disorder, and there may even be discrimination, which in the worst case scenario might prevent someone from seeking care. Proper information, openness and the sort of mental health campaigns proposed in the report will help to dispel this pointless stigma. The path to maturity is stonier than ever. Growth seems hampered by society’s increased uncertainty. It is good that the report should demonstrate awareness of the need for early intervention and the importance of prevention. To prevent mental health problems in children and young people in particular, we need to invest more time and money in preventive measures in day-care centres, schools, children’s clinics and school healthcare. A young person in need of help might be inclined to let things continue as they are simply because he or she does not know where to turn to for help. The role of the child’s background, and above all the family, is therefore of major importance.
Mr President,
First of all I should thank my colleague, Mr Bowis, for the work he has done. Furthermore, I am not just referring to this report, but to all his input and the vigour with which he has spoken on behalf of mental health work in Europe. I have been a Member of Parliament for seven years, and in all this time John Bowis has consistently kept this subject on the agenda. For me he is a heartening example of a politician who realises his vision of a better world with determination and steadfastness. It is only in this way that things change: when one does not yield to arbitrary political whims and trends but knows oneself what one is striving for and does it.
Mental health problems are something which it is easy to keep quiet about. There is a strong stigma attached to such types of disorder, and there may even be discrimination, which in the worst case scenario might prevent someone from seeking care. Proper information, openness and the sort of mental health campaigns proposed in the report will help to dispel this pointless stigma. The path to maturity is stonier than ever. Growth seems hampered by society’s increased uncertainty. It is good that the report should demonstrate awareness of the need for early intervention and the importance of prevention. To prevent mental health problems in children and young people in particular, we need to invest more time and money in preventive measures in day-care centres, schools, children’s clinics and school healthcare. A young person in need of help might be inclined to let things continue as they are simply because he or she does not know where to turn to for help. The role of the child’s background, and above all the family, is therefore of major importance.