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Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Knowledge Gateway

A reference point for public health policy makers with reliable, independent and up-to date information on topics related to promotion of health and well-being.

  • Page | Last updated: 07 May 2021

Ιmplemented policies related to depression prevention

Health Promotion Knowledge Gateway

Εxamples of implemented policies related to depression prevention and mental health promotion
European Commission 2017 (pdf), European Commission 2005 (pdf), European Alliance Against Depression
  • The European Alliance against Depression aims to reduce depression and suicidal behaviour by creating regional networks of information between the health sector, patients and their relatives, community facilitators and the general public. A pilot project showed decreases of 25 % in suicides and suicide attempts, particularly among young people. It comprises
    • establishment of crisis-help lines;
    • foundation of regional self-help groups and support with expert advice.
  • iFightDepression is an internet-based self-management programme consisting of three parts. 
    • A website providing detailed information on depression for the general population, community professionals and healthcare professionals. It includes a self-test checking for symptoms of depression. 
    • A self-administered test as well as a guided, internet-based self-management tool for individuals experiencing mild to moderate depression that is free of charge and uses the principles of cognitive-behavioural therapy as a basis.
  • Training materials for healthcare professionals who are interested in implementing iFightDepression in their practice.
  • Organisation of large-scale public awareness campaigns for the broad public using posters, cinema spots, information leaflets, brochures, public events and web presence. Such campaigns were aiming to improve knowledge about depression and reduce the stigmatisation of the topic and the affected individuals.
  • Educational workshops to various target groups (health care professionals, priests, counsellors, police, gatekeepers, paediatricians, community facilitators) to disseminate knowledge about depressive disorders
GET.ON, European Commission 2018
  • The GET.ON Institute is an online mental health service provider that aims at improving public mental health. It uses internet- and mobile-based psychological interventions as a means to prevent mental disorders, such as depression, and important risk factors for their development.
  • GET ON Mood Enhancer is the online training that focuses on the prevention of depression. It consists of different online sessions that are available for a total of one year. 
  • It offers in-depth knowledge using videos and short texts. 
  • The user learns through active writing and practical exercises such as audio files, knowledge quizzes, worksheets and online diary.
Mental Health Commission of Canada 2012 (pdf)
  • Mental Health First Aid Canada is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. It aims at recognising a change in behaviour, responding with a confident conversation and guiding to appropriate resources and support.
  • It teaches people how to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems and illnesses, provide initial help, and guide the afflicted person towards appropriate professional help.
World Health Organization 2007 (pdf)
  • The ‘Checklist for evaluating a mental health policy’ helps in the assessment of the processes followed after a policy has been drawn up in a country. This checklist may usefully be completed by those who drafted the policy and/or by employees in the government itself. However, it is also important to have independent reviewers. The evaluation covers both process issues and content issues.