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6 clusters · 13 sources · 17 days · First seen · Last updated

Mental health advocacy and policy in Greece

Overview

In observance of World Mental Health Day, mental health advocacy and government policy in Greece have focused on addressing societal stigma and improving preventative care.

The Hellenic Psychiatric Association (HPA) called for action against the marginalization of individuals with mental illnesses, noting that misconceptions regarding dangerousness and incurability lead to ‘self-stigma’ and a reluctance to seek rehabilitation. The HPA advocated for the theme ‘Listening to Lived Experiences: Real Voices, Real Change,’ pushing for the inclusion of those with lived experience in policy-making. The association also raised concerns regarding the violation of medical privacy and personal data.

Following these calls, the Greek Ministry of Health has outlined specific priorities for early intervention. Deputy Health Minister Eirini Agapidaki emphasized support for children, adolescents, and families through initiatives such as the nationwide implementation of the Triple P positive parenting program—which has engaged 6,513 parents and caregivers—and the operation of the first Model Community Center for Youth Mental Health. Agapidaki also noted the negative impact of social media ‘doomscrolling’ on youth mood and sleep, highlighting the importance of the 10306 helpline and Community Mental Health Centers (KOMY).

To formalize these reforms, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis announced a new mental health bill for submission to Parliament. The legislation proposes the establishment of the Panhellenic Association of Psychologists (PASYPSY) to regulate the profession, alongside two new scientific bodies: the National Observatory of Psychotherapy and Counseling Mental Health and the National Observatory of Forensic Psychiatry.

Complementing these efforts, educational institutions have implemented awareness programs. At the Politiki Primary School, students used art to identify emotions, while the 1st Gymnasium of Kalabaka implemented a program titled ‘It doesn’t always show—Let’s listen to one another’ to explore the hidden nature of mental struggles.

Entities

Ministry of Health · Greece · World Health Organization · Panhellenic Association of Psychologists · Hellenic Psychiatric Association

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Greek schools hold mental health awareness activities

    Greek primary and middle schools held experiential awareness activities for World Mental Health Day to promote empathy and emotional support among students.

  2. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Greek schools implement emotional intelligence programs

    Greek schools in Heraklion and Trikala have implemented educational programs focused on emotional intelligence, empathy, and mental health awareness for students.

  3. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Greek schools implement mental health awareness programs for students

    Primary schools and community centers in Greece held experiential mental health workshops for students to promote emotional expression, empathy, and psychological resilience.

  4. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Greece to introduce new mental health legislation

    Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis announced a new mental health bill to establish a Panhellenic Association of Psychologists and two national scientific observatories.

  5. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Greece Ministry of Health prioritizes mental health prevention

    Greek Deputy Health Minister Eirini Agapidaki emphasizes mental health prevention for youth, highlighting social media risks and expanding community support programs.

  6. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Hellenic Psychiatric Association addresses mental health stigma in Greece

    The Hellenic Psychiatric Association is calling for an end to mental health stigma in Greece, urging for the inclusion of individuals with lived experience in mental health policy and decision-making.

Sources

blogs.sch.gr · cretaone.gr · ertnews.gr · gargalianoionline.gr · iatronet.gr · makthes.gr · myportal.gr · newsbeast.gr · onvolos.gr · tameteora.gr · trikalanews.gr · virus.com.gr · ygeiamou.gr

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history