One in five adults across OECD and EU countries experiences mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms, according to the OECD’s Mental Health Promotion and Prevention report.

The symptoms often go unrecognised and untreated, increasing the risk of progression to more severe conditions and raising overall societal costs.

Czechia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Portugal report a higher prevalence of moderate or severe depressive symptoms among native-born individuals.

Women are more vulnerable to mental illnesses during turning point events, such as pregnancy and postpartum.

The prevalence of postpartum depression was estimated at 16.6% for Central-Eastern Europe, 16.3% for Southern Europe, and 13.8% for Northern Europe, according to the study.

The total cost of mental health problems was estimated at 4% of GDP across the 27 EU countries and the UK in 2015.

The medical cost of treating mental illnesses may be as much as 20 times higher, depending on the level of severity.

A German study found that in 2019, the six-month treatment cost of mental disorders was estimated at €511 for mild symptoms, €2,417 for moderate symptoms, and €10,485 for severe symptoms.

The cost of treatment, travelling long distances, and waiting times to see a medical professional are major barriers for people seeking help for mental health issues.

On average, two-thirds of individuals who need mental health care are estimated to lack access to treatment in OECD countries and the 27 EU member states.

Mental health initiatives across the EU

However, some EU countries have initiatives for access to mental health support that can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms by up to 87%.

By the end of 2023, 14 out of 27 member states had mental health services that can be accessed directly without referral at the national or regional level.

For example, the Netherlands has created youth walk-in centres, such as the programme @Ease, which trains students and front-line professionals to help young adults with mental distress.

Meanwhile, in Belgium, there has been a reduction in access barriers by reimbursing the cost of psychological therapy either in part or in full, as well as the establishment of networks for mental health professionals across schools, workplaces, and social services.

These interventions have resulted in a rise in school attendance and reduced work absenteeism, with reported gains ranging from 50% to 61%.

Some other examples are post-partum depression screenings in Poland and online tools in Germany.

The list of the most expensive Rolexes ever sold at auction, as you’d expect, is quite impressive. And now the exquisite lineup has a new member.

A yellow-gold Ref. 6062 recently hammered down for a whopping $6.2 million, making it the third-priciest piece from the Crown to sell on the block and a record for the reference. The rarity was a part of the offerings at the Exclusive Timepieces event held by Monaco Legend Auctions last weekend—and it sure left its mark.

Ref. 6062 is a true collector’s item, with just 350 examples thought to have been produced between 1950 and ’53. It notably combined a water-resistant Oyster case, a “Perpetual” automatic movement, and a complete calendar complication. The 6062 is one of only two vintage references with triple-date moonphase, according to GQ. (The other is Ref. 8171.) It was offered in various metals—yellow gold, pink gold, and stainless steel—and with different dial types. This particular yellow-gold example showcases the ultra-rare black dial with six diamonds at the odd-numbered positions, a.k.a. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 o’clock. It last appeared in the public eye almost 20 years ago, when it headlined Antiquorum’s Mondani Collection sale. It sold for €5.33 million (about $6.2 million) over the weekend, with the new buyer yet to be identified.

The crown for the most expensive Rollie ever sold at auction is worn (rather fittingly) by Paul Newman’s very own “Paul Newman” timepiece, which was given to the actor by his wife. Ref. 6239 hammered down for a whopping $17.75 million in 2017 during a Phillips auction. Then, an ultra-rare 18-karat-white gold iteration of the Cosmograph Daytona—aptly nicknamed “Unicorn”—sits in the second-place spot; famed collector John Goldberger donated the timepiece to Phillips, where it fetched around $6.5 million in 2018.

And formerly rounding out the top three was Ref. 6062 “Bao Dai,” another 1950s stunner that was owned by the final emperor of Vietnam, which sold for $5.06 million in 2017. Now, of course, that watch has been ousted by this other Ref. 6062. What sets the Bao Dai apart from this example is that it has diamonds on even numbers instead of odd.

If you missed out on the Monaco Legend Auction’s event, don’t fret. A pair of coveted vintage Rolex Daytonas is heading to auction next month via Christie’s, giving you the chance to snag your own retro beauty. Happy bidding.

On his visit to Israel this week, Ambassador-Designate for International Religious Freedom Mark Walker said meeting families of hostages and survivors of Hamas captivity left him “overwhelmed,” reaffirming what he called the “spiritual and historic bond” between the United States and Israel.

Walker, a former Republican congressman and Baptist pastor from North Carolina, was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the nation’s top global envoy for religious liberty. He will officially assume the post once confirmed by the Senate, becoming the seventh American to hold the role since it was created by Congress in 1998.

His visit to Israel, he explained, was driven by both friendship and timing. “All these other historic landmark agreements are happening the same week we’re here,” Walker said. “It’s been amazing to see the excitement — literally banners hanging from buildings and parks thanking President Trump for his ongoing efforts and the strength he’s shown to drive the region toward peace.”

VANCE WARNS HAMAS AS GAZA PEACE PLAN’S CIVILIAN MILITARY COOPERATION CENTER OPENS

Walker said he was particularly moved by his meetings with hostage families.

“I was overwhelmed to spend some time with Keith Siegel, who endured 483 days of captivity and torture, and with Ruby Chen, whose son, Itay, was killed by Hamas — his body still not returned,” Walker said. “To hear the passion in Ruby’s voice, to see his perseverance, it’s overwhelming. In America, we’re watching this from a distance. But being here on the ground, seeing how the community has banded together to stand up for these hostages — alive or dead — has impacted me in a different manner.”

The experience, he said, deepened his appreciation for Israel’s resilience. “The people of Israel have stood resiliently in the face of evil,” he said. “Their faith and courage remind the world what strength looks like.”

With U.S. officials visiting Israel to monitor the fragile ceasefire, Walker said he remains confident in the administration’s leadership.

Ambassador-Designate Mark Walker for religious freedom with freed hostage Keith Siegel and Rubi Chen, father of hostage Itay Chen. (Warren Cohn)

ISRAEL IDENTIFIES 2 HOSTAGES RETURNED FROM GAZA AS RESIDENTS OF SAME KIBBUTZ

“I have no confidence in Hamas based on their history,” he said. “But I have great confidence in President Trump and what he’s doing. He’s committed to peace and showing it with his actions — sending Vice President Vance, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff here this week.”

He also praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio for advancing the administration’s diplomatic agenda. “This isn’t a photo opportunity,” Walker said. “It’s a real plan for long-term stability.”

When asked how he views Israel’s importance, Walker reflected on his years in Congress.

“I think historically, we’ve had a long-standing relationship of supporting each other through times of peril as well as times of success,” he said. “Certainly, military and business relationships, but from a spiritual standpoint, America was founded on Judeo-Christian principles.”

He added, “When you sit in the House chamber where President Trump gives the State of the Union, there are 22 or 23 philosophers — great men of genius — depicted above. But there’s only one historical figure looking directly at the speaker’s rostrum, and that’s Moses. That tells you a lot about the spiritual connection that binds our two countries.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the Knesset as President Donald Trump and Amir Ohana, speaker of the Israeli Knesset, look on at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 in Jerusalem.  (Chip Somodevilla/Pool via AP)

When asked about criticism from some within the evangelical community regarding its close alignment with Israel, Walker said he welcomes open discussion but rejects efforts to undermine the partnership. “I don’t have a problem with anyone questioning — we ought to be able to defend those relationships,” he said. “But when you see some of the talk lately that aims to degrade that relationship, maybe for personal gain or attention, I do have a problem with it, and I think it needs to be condemned.”

He added that such views are far from mainstream. “The evangelical communities that I’m part of — and I happen to be a member of the largest Protestant organization in the United States — don’t have those issues,” he said. “There may be some who are loosely affiliated and use that kind of rhetoric, but the overwhelming majority of evangelicals in America applaud and encourage the relationship we have with Israel.”

Attendees wave Israel and the United States flags at the Christians United for Israel (CUFI) summit on July 17, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. GOP presidential hopefuls for 2024 are making their cases before the pro-Israeli group.  (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

On his new role, Walker said the mission was deeply personal.

“When President Trump reached out and asked us to serve as the ambassador for International Religious Freedom — that’s a global position — it was humbling,” he said. “The responsibility is to advocate for people of all faiths, especially in places where they’re persecuted or punished by blasphemy laws.”

EVANGELICAL LEADERS PRAISE TRUMP’S CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL AMID WAR WITH IRAN

Walker said he is already building relationships with governments and faith leaders to prepare for his official role advising both President Trump and Secretary Rubio.

“Our job is to engage, expose and eradicate atrocities — whether it’s Christians in Nigeria being massacred, Druze in Syria targeted or rising antisemitic behavior worldwide,” he said. “The United States must remain the beacon of hope for religious freedom. We’re the only country that has it written into law.”

He added that Israel’s example of tolerance stands out in the Middle East. “Christians should be able to live peaceably, share their faith and worship without fear,” he said. “The fact that Israel allows that in a region where so many others don’t is meaningful.”

U.S. President Donald Trump holds the signed agreement of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, October 13, 2025. (Reuters)

Walker said he plans to “push back wherever persecution exists — whether through diplomacy or by urging governments to repeal blasphemy and anti-conversion laws.”

He concluded, “President Trump is the only president in American history who called a global conference on religious liberty at the United Nations,” Walker said. “That sent a message across the world — that faith matters, that freedom matters. What we see here in Israel is that same spirit of courage, and it reminds us why this partnership, rooted in faith and freedom, must endure.”