A new study reveals that 86% of young people in Cyprus experience high levels of anxiety and fear about the future, reflecting the impact of growing up amid economic, social, and existential uncertainty.
The research, conducted by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF in coordination with CARDET and supported by the Cyprus Youth Organization and Youth Council, highlights widespread mental health concerns among the younger generation.
According to the findings, three out of four respondents — 75% — feel constant pressure to succeed, endure, and appear “okay” in a fast-paced world. Despite a strong need for support, only 43% of those who felt they needed professional help actually sought it, with stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access cited as major barriers.
Psychiatrist Dr. Giorgos Mikellides said many young people carry the burden of unfulfilled dreams passed down from their parents, adding that “we must understand where the limits are.”
The report also notes a sharp rise in referrals to school psychologists, with more than 7,700 students seeking help during the 2020–2021 academic year. Data show that 75% of mental health disorders emerge before the age of 25.
Released on World Mental Health Day, the study calls for early intervention, prevention, and greater youth involvement in shaping mental health services.