On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the Europe Region of World Physiotherapy held an event at the European Parliament on Physiotherapy in Mental Health on 11th October 2023. 

The event was hosted by the Members of the European Parliament (MEP) Maria Walsh, from the EPP, and Alex Agius Saliba, from the S&D, and was moderated by Maria-Louisa Busuttil, Executive Committee member of the Europe Region of World Physiotherapy.

Following the online opening remarks by Esther-Mary D’Arcy, chairperson of the Europe Region, MEPs Maria Walsh and Alex Agius Saliba spoke about the importance of mental health in today’s world and remarked the urgency of involving all health professionals to tackle this issue. 

Cristina Bravo, member of the Mental Health Working Group of the Europe Region, then took the floor to speak about the role of physiotherapy in mental health. 

Before the closing remarks, a pre-recorded video of the personal experience of a patient of physiotherapy in mental health was displayed. 

The recording of the event is already available here:

Additionally, on the 10th of October, the Europe Region of World Physiotherapy was represented in two events on mental health in Brussels.

Maria-Louisa Busuttil, Executive Committee Member of the Europe Region attended the EU Health high level conference on a comprehensive approach to Mental Health hosted by the European Commission. She intervened during the event to highlight the commitment of the Europe Region of World Physiotherapy in supporting the EU Health Mental Health Strategy. She also stressed the importance of physical activity for the prevention of mental health disorders.

In parallel with this, Cristina Bravo, member of the Mental Health Working Group of the Europe Region, participated as a speaker in an event on pain and mental health at the European Parliament. Her intervention revolved around the importance of physical activity and physiotherapy to manage and prevent mental health problems. 

“Physiotherapists, as healthcare workers, can engage in prevention and treatment of various mental health problems".

This event was organised by the Societal Impact of Pain (SIP) and unveiled the SIP joint statement on Pain and Mental Health. The Europe Region has actively collaborated in the drafting of this document and is one of the co-signatories.

Read the full SIP Joint Statement on Pain and Mental Health.

To find out more about the role of physiotherapy in mental health check this recorded webinar: