Mental health and employment: An overview of patterns and policies across Western Europe

Abstract

Background: The relationship between mental health problems and employment is receiving growing attention across Europe as the cost of lost productivity is appreciated. Aims: This paper reports on the preliminary collection of data on employment of people with mental health problems and related economic issues in 17 countries participating in the Mental Health Economics European Network (MHEEN). Method: A questionnaire was developed with the Network partners and statistical and narrative data collected. These local and national level data were examined for patterns and trends. Results: Across Europe, the impact of mental health problems on lost productivity is substantial and growing. A range of policies have been developed to address this challenge, covering the spectrum of issues from workplace interventions promoting positive mental health to anti-discrimination laws to enable participation in the workforce. Conclusions: While much is being done, data and information on best practice across Europe are scarce. There is a need to share and collect this information to facilitate the sharing of best practice in Europe.

Maximizing work integration in job placement of individuals facing mental health problems: Supervisor experiences

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“…The standard work rehabilitation approach for those with mental health issues has evolved from the "train then place" model of the 1970s to today's "place then train" paradigm, based on early placement in a competitive job [30][31][32][33][34][35]. Depending on whether the trainee has a job history; job placement may take the form of job-entry or a return-to-work approach, either of which would involve occupational habilitation or rehabilitation processes [36].…”

The impact of economic crises on social inequalities in health: what do we know so far?

“…Indeed, it has been reported that the impact of unemployment and other adverse circumstances on health in times of crisis can be evident only after many years, especially in disadvantaged populations [34]. It is also very important to have a sufficient time-perspective prior to the beginning of the crisis in order to assess whether the crisis itself has had an added effect on trends that were already occurring.…”

Epidemiology of major depressive episode in a southern European country: Results from the ESEMeD-Spain project

“…It accounts for almost 12% of total years lived with disability in the world (Ustun and Chatterji, 2001) (World Health Organization, 2008), and represents the first cause of premature retirement and absence from work due to illness in many European countries (Curran et al, 2007). Furthermore it is the most costly brain disorder in the continent, accounting for 33% of their total cost (Sobocki et al, 2006).…”