The Last Word: Reinventing attitudes towards mental health in emerging Europe

While attitudes are slowly changing, many people with mental health issues in the emerging Europe region still hesitate to seek help, fearing judgment or misunderstanding.

Emerging Europe is a region historically known for its resilience. Its people have endured wars, including the current conflict in Ukraine, economic upheaval, and seismic political transitions, coming out each time with a determination to rebuild. But this resilience has often come at a cost: a reluctance to acknowledge vulnerability.

Nowhere is this more evident than in how the region has historically approached mental health.

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For decades, mental health in the region was an afterthought, overshadowed by physical health concerns and constrained by underfunded healthcare systems. Talking about mental health was seen as a weakness, something to be hidden or dismissed. This cultural stigma created a vicious cycle: limited public awareness, insufficient resources, and a lack of support systems for those in need. 

This legacy still lingers, even as the region transforms into a hub of innovation and technological growth. In countries striving to build start-up ecosystems and attract global talent, mental health is often overlooked, treated as a private issue rather than a collective responsibility. But if the region wants to compete globally, it must confront this blind spot. 

Mental health isn’t just a personal matter—it’s an economic imperative. In a tech-driven economy where innovation depends on creativity and collaboration, ignoring mental health means undermining productivity. Burnout, anxiety, and stress are invisible barriers to growth, silently eroding the potential of even the most talented teams and even the most successful entrepreneurs. 

Public awareness

The challenge is twofold. First, there’s the need to dismantle the stigma. While attitudes are slowly changing, many people in the region still hesitate to seek help, fearing judgment or misunderstanding.

Public awareness campaigns, like those seen in Western Europe, could play a crucial role in normalising conversations about mental health. Schools and workplaces could introduce programs to educate people on recognising and addressing mental health issues, embedding this understanding from a young age. 

Second, there’s the question of infrastructure. Mental health services across the region remain underdeveloped, with many countries facing shortages of professionals and inadequate funding. Digital solutions—such as teletherapy platforms or AI-driven mental health tools—could help bridge this gap, providing scalable and accessible support. But these tools must be paired with systemic investment in mental health infrastructure, ensuring that digital innovation complements, rather than replaces, human expertise. 

Mental health at work

Emerging Europe also has a unique opportunity to define what a mental health-inclusive workplace looks like. Companies in the region can adopt practices that prioritise well-being: realistic workloads, flexible hours, mental health days, and access to professional support. By leading the way, these organisations can not only attract top talent but also foster environments where innovation can thrive. 

The stakes are high. As the region positions itself as a global player in technology and innovation, it cannot afford to leave mental health behind. Reinventing mental health isn’t just about addressing past failures; it’s about building a foundation for future success. A culture that values well-being isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a strategy for resilience. 

For emerging Europe, this is more than a challenge; it’s an opportunity to lead. By embracing mental health as a pillar of its transformation, the region can set a powerful example, showing the world that true innovation begins with caring for its people. 

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