Page 49 - CASA TIMES

Mental Health

In Cyprus, mental health is recognised as
a high-priority , essential for ensuring a
peaceful, balanced life and supporting
students in achieving academic and
personal success. A strong focus on well-
being in education allows young people
to develop resilience, manage stress, and
prepare confidently for the professional Medical Health
challenges ahead. Cyprus is equipping its
students with the tools they need to Concerning physical health, Cyprus is
excel. fortunate in that it sits in a safe

reputation. A recent Eurostat data
found that Cyprus has the lowest rate
Earlier this year, Cyprus received approval of unmet medical needs in the
for a new mental health strategy set to European Union, the presidency stated
run until 2028. Its primary goal is to that the country has a “functional,
enhance mental health services and effective, and accessible” healthcare
create a supportive environment that system. According to figures released
promotes wellbeing and social inclusion in May, only 0.2% of people in Cyprus
for those affected. The strategy focuses reported an unmet need for medical
on strengthening the country’s mental care or treatment, far below the EU
health system and safeguarding the average of 3.8%.
rights of individuals with mental illness. It
is built on six key pillars: prevention,
improved health services, social inclusion, Residents of Cyprus can rest assured
reducing discrimination, integrating that their health is well supported
mental health into policies and legislation, under GESY (also known as the GHS,

and advancing research. or General Healthcare System), even if
they are students coming from
developing or third-world countries.
GESY is Cyprus’s universal healthcare
Mental Health Awareness Week, which model, launched in 2019 with the
will take place in the first full week of May mission to provide comprehensive,
in 2026, brings together organizations affordable, and accessible medical care
and communities to highlight the to everyone legally residing on the
importance of mental wellbeing and share island.

valuable resources. You can get involved
by joining local or online events, learning
and sharing information to reduce stigma,
supporting mental health organizations,
spreading awareness on social media, and
advocating for better mental health
policies and services.

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