Boulevard Clovis 7, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
Tel +32 2 280 04 68 - Fax +32 2 280 16 04
E-Mail: info@mhe-sme.org
www.mhe-sme.org
Brussels 27 November 2012
Sir, Madam,
Re: Worrying cuts in funding by Greek government - investing in Mental Health services must be a priority in times of crisis
Mental Health Europe (MHE) is a non-governmental organisation committed to the promotion of positive mental health and well-being, the prevention of mental health problems, the improvement of care, advocacy for social inclusion and the protection of the human rights of (ex)users of mental health services and their families and carers. MHE represents associations, organisations and individuals active in the field of mental health and well-being in Europe, including (ex)users of mental health services, volunteers and professionals of many disciplines. MHE is a widely represented European body comprising a membership of more than 70 organisations in 30 European countries including Greece.
The Board of Directors of MHE met on the 14th of November and was at this occasion informed in depth about the situation in Greece, in terms of the impact of the current austerity measures on the provision of mental health services. These measures have resulted in enormous cutbacks in financing of mental health services, rising up to 55%. The non-governmental organisations that rely on this funding to offer psychosocial rehabilitation services in the community struggle to maintain their operations, although these services are often the only viable alternatives to people with mental health problems to maintain a dignified life and be included in the community. MHE is seriously concerned about this situation, as investing in social services and health care should be a priority, and particularly in times of crisis when the demand for support and services increases.
There is a clear link between unemployment and mental health problems. With the current crisis, more and more persons have become unemployed, or are at risk of losing their job, which leads in all too many cases to mental health problems. In addition, the fact of having a mental health problem is sometimes the cause for losing a job, unless there are appropriate services provided which can help the person return to a more stable situation. Unless priority is given to these services, the number of persons who are active and contribute financially to society will decrease, which will further aggravate the already alarming financial situation in Greece.
Furthermore, it is indispensable to focus on primary care, including prevention and mental health promotion measures in order to avoid secondary problems, which have detrimental effects on the individuals affected the most, but which also imply a much bigger long-term cost for society.
In Greece, existing structures to provide support have proven to be effective, especially the model of the Mobile Psychiatric Units (outreach units), which has inspired the rest of Europe. With the current cuts in funding of these structures, there will be an increased risk of relapse among patients, with dangerous consequences for their lives and well-being, and with a large number of employees who benefited from these structures who lose their jobs and entire geographic regions of the country remaining without mental health care services. This may lead to serious consequences, such as homelessness and/or re-institutionalisation of persons who previously had the opportunity to live in society with the appropriate support services.
Also, returning to a system where institutions are the predominant means for providing care to persons who live with mental health problems would be a dangerous step backwards for human rights in Greece. In addition, institutions are in the long run more expensive than community-based services. Very serious Human Rights abuses in Greece were made known publicly in the 1980’s, both on the island of Leros and within the psychiatric system generally. Thanks to European support, as well as EU interventions and additional support from NGOs, this outdated system was reformed, and mental health care has been substantially improved and better provided through community-based services. MHE is concerned that the current measures taken by the Greek Government could lead to a situation in terms of human rights abuses and living conditions for persons with mental health problems that becomes as serious as was the case 30 years back in time. No modern society can afford such exclusion. Investing in social and health care services are essential in times of crisis, and MHE trusts that the Greek Government will take the necessary measures to break this vicious cycle, in order to prevent a complete collapse of the Greek mental health service support system.
On behalf of the MHE Board of Directors,
Yours sincerely,
Nace Kovac, President
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