Updates

The government approval of the Green Paper on Mental Health in April 2021 shows the shift towards a higher prioritization of mental health and the importance of its maintenance across individual, community and state levels. Estonia was one of the few European countries that did not have a national mental health policy framework document, and its absence was an obstacle to cross-disciplinary development. The preparation of the Green Paper on Mental Health was based on the main goal set in the National Health Plan 2020–2030, which is extending the healthy lives of Estonian people by reducing premature mortality and morbidity. The Green Paper on Mental Health was prepared in cooperation with numerous experts and professionals in the field. It outlines the existing organization of mental health care, summarizes the problem areas, and makes proposals for future development in the field. The paper addresses the importance of prevention, early detection of mental health issues and timely availability of high-quality care throughout Estonia. Specific measurable activities and resources are described in follow-up documents. The Green Paper laid a foundation for the development of the mental health action plan, which shall be published by the end of 2022, and the creation of a separate suicide prevention action plan. This will be developed by 2024 in cooperation with EU Joint Action ImpleMental.