86% of young people in Cyprus report high levels of anxiety and uncertainty about the future, while 75% feel constant pressure and stress, according to a survey on Youth Mental Health by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF, which was coordinated and implemented by CARDET with the support of the Cyprus Youth Organization and the Youth Council.
A CARDET announcement states that the research reveals that anxiety and worry are particularly prevalent among young people in Cyprus and a significant number do not seek the help they need.
"The study amplifies the voices of young people, along with those of parents, educators and mental health professionals, highlighting the urgent need for more youth-friendly, accessible and stigma-free services," it notes.
Key findings of the report
86% of young people report high levels of anxiety and uncertainty about the future, while 75% feel constant pressure and stress.
Although 60% of young people felt they needed to see a mental health professional, less than half (43%) did so and the reasons cited included stigma, lack of information and limited access.
According to the majority of mental health disorders (75%) appear before the age of 25, which highlights the need for early support.
Referrals to school psychologists increased significantly, with more than 7.700 students being referred in 2020–2021.
Barriers to Accessing Support
The study identified four key barriers to accessing mental health services: stigma and prejudice, lack of youth-friendly, supportive spaces, low awareness of available services, and inequality in access, especially in rural areas.
Specifically, one participant summed up the issue: "We don't always know where to turn for help. And even when services are available, we don't always feel like they're for us," the survey states.
Call for Action
The report calls for a shift towards prevention and early intervention, with an emphasis on the participation of young people in shaping the services they use. These recommendations contribute to the formulation of the National Strategy and Action Plan for Mental Health, which is being developed by the Ministry of Health.
"These findings are a wake-up call," said Alexandros Tifas, Mental Health Nursing Officer at the Ministry of Health.
"Behind the numbers are young people who deserve understanding, compassion and access to support when they need it. By turning their voices into action, we can create services that truly meet their needs and build a society where mental health is a shared priority," she said.
The report complements the ongoing #OnMyMind #MoreToSay awareness campaign, which encourages open dialogue and practical action for the well-being of young people across Cyprus.
Source: KYPE
