Addressing Mental Health in SEE
The South-Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) proudly supports WHO’s theme for World Mental Health Day 2024: “Mental Health at Work”. The SEEHN emphasized the critical role of healthcare workers, particularly nurses, in maintaining public health throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the SEEHN urges urgent action on nursing burnout, advocating for safe working environments and mental health protections. By prioritizing mental health at work, the SEEHN aims to promote resilience and sustainability within the healthcare workforce across the region.
The challenges of the health workforce burnout demand immediate, coordinated responses from policymakers and healthcare institutions. The SEEHN is leading efforts to advocate for safer, supportive working conditions, including improved mental health provision systems within healthcare environments. With mental health at the forefront, the SEEHN urges its member states to commit to creating workplaces where the mental health of all workers, especially those in healthcare, is a priority.
In addition to these efforts, last year, the SEEHN hosted a study tour at the WHO Collaborative Center for Research and Training in Mental Health in Trieste. This initiative provided healthcare leaders in the SEE region with direct insights into community mental health services, fostering deeper collaboration and stronger mental health infrastructures. Through ongoing engagement, the SEEHN calls on its member states to increase investments in mental health and to promote resilience among healthcare workers, continuing the region’s commitment to mental health as a human rights-based approach. The collective power of governments, communities, and organizations is crucial in addressing the hidden mental health burden by securing a healthier, more resilient future for all.
Photo credit: WHO
