Strengthening mental health systems to respond to economic crises

Summary Background: Mental health systems appear to be among the first casualties of an economic downturn. Growing global political and economic uncertainty in Europe and elsewhere may mean that the next major economic crisis is not far off. Objectives: This paper considers what mental health systems might do in future to more rapidly respond to the impacts of economic shocks, and reduce the risk and/or mitigate the impacts of poor mental health and deliberate self-harm. It concentrates on two areas of risk to mental health in times of economic shock, namely increasing job insecurity and changing employment conditions, as well as the impacts of unmanageable debt. Results: Addressing the psychological impacts of less job-security and of surviving a downsizing in the workplace may be just as important to mental health as unemployment in an economic crisis. There is also evidence that unmanageable debt is associated with poor mental health and risk of suicide and self-harm. Conclusions: Mental health systems need to develop plans for a rapid response to economic shocks, with a strong focus on a public health approach to mental health. Engaging and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, as well as secure budgets, will be imperative to effective implementation.