Mental disorders are one of the most significant public health challenges in the WHO European Region, as they are the leading cause of disability and  the third leading cause of overall disease burden (measured as disability-adjusted life years), after cardiovascular disease and cancers.

• Each year, 25% of the population suffers from depression or anxiety.
• Neuropsychiatric disorders account for 19.5% of the burden of disease in the European Region, and 26% in European Union (EU) countries.
• These disorders account for up to 40% of years lived with disability, with depression as the main cause.
• Up to 50% of chronic sick leaves are due to depression/anxiety.
• About 50% of major depressions are untreated.
• The cost of mood disorders and anxiety in the EU is about €170 billion per year.