On 23 September 2025, the EHC hosted a successful round table on Beyond the Diagnosis: Addressing Mental Health in the Bleeding Disorders Community at the Warwick Hotel in Brussels, Belgium, bringing together healthcare professionals, policy makers, and community advocates to tackle a critical yet often overlooked aspect of bleeding disorders care.

Opening the discussions, MEP András Tivadar Kulja (EPP, Hungary) delivered a video message calling for increased investment in psychological support for patients, emphasising that such investment can improve lives and build a more compassionate Europe, highlighting the importance of mental health in EU healthcare policy.

Dr Hermanas Ūsas, Psychiatrist at University Hospital Zürich, presented the EHC Mental Health Survey (currently open), outlining what he termed the invisible burden of mental health in bleeding disorders. His session highlighted the significant gap between policy intentions and real-world implementation, stressing the need to move from awareness to action and integrate positive psychology approaches into treatment frameworks. Amy Owen-Wyard, Registered Mental Health Nurse and mother of a child with Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia, complemented this by addressing one of the most persistent challenges facing the community – overcoming the stigma around mental health and breaking down barriers that prevent patients and families from seeking psychological support.

Scott McLean and Vasileios Kapouranis, both members of the EHC Mental Health Working Group, shared personal insights and practical solutions. Scott spoke about his transformative journey, explaining how sharing his mental health experiences helped him to improve his quality of life. Vasileios emphasised that living with a bleeding disorder extends beyond physical health, noting that emotional well-being directly impacts treatment adherence. He outlined critical areas for improving mental health care access, including addressing resource limitations and specialised care barriers, advocating for better accessibility, and recognising the vital role of community organisations. Open conversations about mental health reduce stigma, education empowers patients and families, and peer support builds confidence and coping skills.

The round table reinforced that addressing mental health in bleeding disorders requires a comprehensive approach combining policy support, clinical expertise, stigma reduction, and community-driven solutions. As the discussions concluded, participants were reminded that mental health is healthcare, and the bleeding disorders community needs comprehensive support that addresses both physical and psychological well-being.

The EHC extends its gratitude to the sponsors of the Round Table, CSL Behring and Takeda, for supporting this critical discussion. The EHC continues to champion mental health awareness and support within the bleeding disorders community, working towards a future where psychological care is integrated seamlessly into comprehensive treatment plans.