Greece reports youth self‑harm surge; 500 teens use new free centre

Incidents of self‑harm among Greek adolescents and young adults are rising. Data show that 17.6% of individuals aged 17‑24 have engaged in self‑injurious behavior, with higher prevalence among girls (20.3%).

Since its launch, the Prototype Community Center for Youth Mental Health, created by the Ministry of Health in partnership with UNICEF and located at the University of Athens’ Psychiatric Clinic, has provided free comprehensive psychotherapy to 497 young people aged 17‑24. The centre also supports families and aims to break the silence surrounding self‑harm, emphasizing that the acts are expressions of psychological distress rather than direct suicide attempts.

Officials highlight that this is the first nationwide free programme of its kind, intended to address underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and emotional dysregulation.