Mental health problems are prevalent among university students, underscoring the need to improve access to effective interventions. Mental healthcare utilization is influenced by general and country-specific factors. This study aimed to identify and compare preferences and barriers to help-seeking for mental health problems among university students in three European countries. A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted with a sample of 4960 university students from Portugal (n = 3399), Germany (n = 680), and Sweden (n = 881). Depressive symptoms (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire) and overall mental health (5-item Mental Health Index) were assessed. Students responded to questions regarding help-seeking preferences for and barriers to mental health problems. Rates of moderate to severe depressive symptoms ranged from 37.5 to 51.0 % and were highest among German students. A majority (76.3-89.3 %) of students indicated they would talk to a friend in case of mental health problems. Readiness to seek help was particularly high among Portuguese students. Readiness to use internet-based interventions was low among all students. Up to 51 % of students reported uncertainty regarding where they could seek help. Students with depressive symptoms versus those without were less likely to speak with a friend about emotional problems but were more likely to consider taking medications. Students with depressive symptoms were also more likely to endorse several help-seeking barriers. Reducing structural barriers, improving awareness of treatment options and increasing acceptance of help-seeking for emotional problems may improve uptake of mental health services among students in these European countries.

The global ageing population faces rising depression rates due to social, economic, and health changes. Depression in older adults, often linked to isolation and health issues, requires comprehensive care. Psychotherapeutic interventions could be effective in reducing symptoms, offering personalized and holistic support. Particularly low-threshold interventions, such as those offered in community-dwelling older adults, which older adults can easily access and which may reduce stigma, promise to close the treatment gap. This review examines community-based psychotherapeutic interventions for older adults with depression. Methods: This review investigates psychotherapeutic interventions for reducing depressive symptoms in older adults in a community setting. RCTs were assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. The following databases were searched: CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MedicLatina, MEDLINE with Full Text, and the Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. Results: A meta-analysis of 13 studies with 1528 participants showed a medium, significant pooled effect size at post-intervention (Hedges’ g = −0.36, p < 0.001) and substantial heterogeneity. Follow-up analysis of studies indicated a small, non-significant effect (Hedges’ g = −0.17, p = 0.27). Group interventions, particularly the “reminiscence protocol”, had the largest significant effect. Discussion: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that in community-dwelling older adults’ group psychotherapeutic interventions, particularly the “reminiscence protocol” and “modified behavioral activation treatment” are most effective for reducing depressive symptoms. Individual psychotherapeutic interventions like “prevention of suicide in primary care elderly” and “behavioral activation” also show effectiveness, with group psychotherapeutic interventions being generally more effective than when these treatments are offered in individual psychotherapeutic interventions. Conclusion: Group and individual psychotherapeutic interventions reduce depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults, with group psychotherapeutic interventions being more effective.

Background: Europe’s aging population presents challenges such as a shrinking labor force, pressure on health services, and increased demand for long-term care. This study assesses the functional profile, depressive symptoms, and quality of life of older adults in the Central Alentejo region of Portugal. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted with a convenience sample of 868 older adults in Portuguese long-term care facilities across the Évora district. A structured questionnaire collected sociodemographic data, elderly nursing core set patient information, a health questionnaire with nine responses, and WHO Quality of Life Assessment (short version) scores. Results: Nearly half of the participants needed assistance with care. Women (OR = 1.46) and those with cognitive impairment (OR = 10.83) had higher impaired functionality, while education (OR = 0.52) and being overweight (OR = 0.52) were inversely related to functional dependence. Quality of life scores ranged from 56.4 (physical) to 66.6 (environmental). Moderate depressive symptoms were found in 17.1% of participants, with 9% having moderately severe to severe symptoms. Higher dependence doubled the likelihood of depressive symptoms (OR = 2.18). Discussion and Conclusions: High rates of depression and functional dependence correlate with a low perception of quality of life, highlighting the need for research to promote and protect the health of older adults.

Aim: The rationale for this current study was to assess the factors associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms in a cohort of students from seven universities across the European education system. Furthermore, the research sought to assess the barriers and facilitators for seeking support when students perceive any mental health issues. Methods: A cross‐sectional multicenter study was conducted, which included 4830 higher education students from seven European countries. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD‐7) were used to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. The Mental Health Inventory (MHI‐5) assessed general psychological well‐being. A questionnaire was used to assess preferences regarding support‐seeking behavior and perceived barriers in the event of mental distress. Linear mixed models (LMMs) were used in the statistical analysis. Results: Swedish students reported lower levels of moderate to severe depressive symptoms (34.1%) and moderate to severe anxiety (27.9%) when compared, for example, with Irish students (63.1% and 52.9%, respectively). Younger students, females, students with a history of mental disorder and lower levels of academic performance, or from a poorer socioeconomic background reported increased rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms. The most valued support‐seeking strategies were speaking to friends or engaging in psychotherapy; in contrast, the most cited barrier to seeking support was the expense related to professional therapy and long waiting times for an appointment with professional therapists. Conclusion: There is a need to develop and/or review mental health promotion strategies for higher education students across Europe. These strategies need to consider the individual and culturally specific needs of higher education students so that they are effective in removing perceived barriers when seeking support in the event of mental distress.