WHO: One in four young adults in Greece suffers from mental health issue

One in four young adults in Greece, aged 15 to 29, suffers from some form of mental disorder, with self-harm being the sixth leading cause of death among those aged 10 to 14 and 15 to 19, according to a recent report by the World Health Organization’s European branch.  

Across Europe, one in seven young people, from newborns to 19-year-olds, is affected by some form of mental illness, with suicide being the leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29, the study found.

WHO Europe, through its Athens-based office, has developed Quality Standards for Child and Youth Mental Health. These were presented on Thursday at the Health Ministry. 

“The mental health of young people is a top priority for both the prime minister and the WHO regional director for Europe, who emphasize the importance of ensuring the best possible care and support,” noted Deputy Health Minister Dimitris Vartzopoulos. “These standards are not just guidelines but a commitment to improving mental health services across WHO’s European region,” he added. [AMNA]