Newsroom
If you’ve been feeling anxious about the future, you’re not alone. According to a new survey by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF, an astonishing 86% of young people in Cyprus say they feel high levels of anxiety and uncertainty about what lies ahead.
And that’s not all. The study found that three out of four young people (75%) feel constant pressure and stress, describing a daily battle to keep up with school, work, and social expectations, all while navigating an unpredictable world.
The research, coordinated by CARDET with the support of the Cyprus Youth Board and Youth Council, paints a sobering picture: anxiety is becoming a normal part of life for young people in Cyprus, but seeking help still isn’t.
The numbers tell a worrying story
While 60% of young people said they felt they needed to see a mental health professional, less than half, just 43%, actually did. The main reasons? Stigma, lack of information, and difficulty accessing services.
In short: many know they need help but don’t feel comfortable, or able, to ask for it.
And that’s especially worrying because three-quarters of mental health issues develop before the age of 25. In other words, these aren’t just passing phases. Without early support, these struggles can follow young people into adulthood.
Even schools are feeling the strain: over 7,700 students were referred to school psychologists during the 2020–2021 school year — a steep rise that mirrors the growing mental health crisis among youth.
Why help feels out of reach
The report identified four big barriers keeping young people from getting help: stigma and prejudice, the lack of youth-friendly spaces, low awareness of available services, and unequal access, particularly in rural areas.
One young participant summed it up bluntly: “We don’t always know where to go for help. And even when services are available, we don’t always feel like they’re for us.”
It’s a sentiment that will resonate with many parents, teachers, and even adults who remember feeling that same confusion when they were young, except now, the pressures are higher and the world feels a lot less certain.
A call to action
“The findings are a wake-up call,” said Alexander Tifas, Mental Health Nursing Officer at the Ministry of Health. “Behind the numbers are real young people who deserve understanding, compassion, and access to support when they need it.”
He added that Cyprus needs to move from crisis response to prevention and early intervention, involving young people in shaping the mental health services meant for them.
The report’s recommendations will feed into the National Strategy and Action Plan for Mental Health, currently being developed by the Ministry of Health.
The study also ties into UNICEF’s awareness campaign OnMyMind and MoreToSay, which encourage open conversations about mental health and practical action to support young people’s well-being.
