The European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD) is a prominent international non-profit organization, established with the goal of improving care, optimizing treatment for patients with depressive disorders, and preventing suicidal behavior. Originating from several EU-funded projects between 2004 and 2008, EAAD has since grown to include members and regional network partners across Europe, Canada, Chile, and Australia.
Background and Objectives
EAAD was established in 2008 by mental health experts from different European research institutions to sustain the momentum of the initial EU-funded projects. The organization is involved in several European research projects targeting depression and suicide prevention. The “European Alliance Against Depression-Best” project, in particular, represents a collaborative effort involving 10 Member States, supported by an EC financial contribution of EUR 1.6 million.
Recent Developments
| MENTBEST Project
In June 2023, the EU-Horizon Europe funded a 5-year project named MENTBEST, which is closely associated with the objectives of EAAD. The project aims to protect mental health during challenging times, addressing the exacerbated mental health issues due to various socio-economic and environmental factors.
| Stakeholder Meeting on Community-based Interventions
On April 27, 2023, EAAD organized a one-day Stakeholder Meeting in Brussels, focusing on community-based interventions targeting depression and suicidal behavior. Supported by the European Union project EAAD-Best, the event aimed to foster the exchange of experiences and knowledge related to depression treatment strategies and the prevention of suicidal behavior among European stakeholders. The meeting welcomed participation from civil and society organizations, foundations, and associations, highlighting the complexity of preventing depression and suicidal behavior and the need for global attention.
Future Plans and Expectations
The European Alliance Against Depression-Best project is expected to continue its efforts in improving mental health care, promoting good mental health practices, and preventing suicidal behavior across the EU. The organization’s commitment to collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and community-based interventions is poised to contribute significantly to the mental well-being of individuals across the region.
The project aligns with the European Commission’s comprehensive approach to mental health, as outlined in the Communication on a comprehensive approach to mental health adopted on June 7, 2023. This approach emphasizes a prevention-oriented, multi-stakeholder strategy, involving various sectors such as education, digitalization, employment, research, and environment.
Conclusion
The European Alliance Against Depression-Best project represents a vital component of the EU’s broader strategy to address mental health challenges, promote mental well-being, and prevent suicidal behavior. Through collaborative efforts, research initiatives, and community-based interventions, the project is making significant strides in improving mental health care and promoting good mental health practices across the EU. As we move forward, the continued support and active participation of Member States, stakeholders, and the community will be crucial in achieving the project’s objectives and contributing to the mental well-being of individuals across Europe.