Cyprus has launched a national awareness campaign on youth mental health in partnership with UNICEF, marking one of the most structured efforts to support young people as they navigate stress, trauma and emotional strain. The initiative, titled “It’s ok to feel what you feel”, forms part of a wider programme funded by the European Commission and implemented through the Ministry of Health.
Alexandros Tifas, speaking to Politis radio on behalf of the Ministry’s Nursing Services Directorate, said the campaign stood out because it gave young people a voice from the start. “What you feel is ok. That is the core message. This is a broader project aimed at reinforcing and expanding mental health services for youth,” he said, adding that the Minister of Health has placed his full support behind the initiative.
The effort builds on UNICEF’s growing footprint in Cyprus, where the organisation has been cooperating with national authorities since 2022 to develop child and adolescent wellness services, support psychosocial teams and strengthen frontline staff. UNICEF notes that globally one in seven adolescents lives with a diagnosed mental health condition, while suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 19. The agency stresses that early support and accessible information significantly reduce long-term harm.
What the campaign offers
The new drive targets teenagers and young adults with practical tools on managing stress, navigating difficult emotions and seeking help when needed. Posters placed in schools, universities, festivals and public spaces incorporate QR codes linking directly to resources: a Youth Organisation microsite offering guidance in Greek, and a UNICEF-supported “You Support” platform that provides evidence-based advice on resilience, trauma, anxiety and coping strategies.
Tifas emphasised that resilience is not innate but strengthened through supportive environments. “Young people already have a strong drive for mental health and resilience. Our responsibility is to reinforce it with the right tools. Mental health is never one-dimensional. It depends on many factors, and we must ensure young people have both access and openness,” he said.
The campaign arrives as European data show rising levels of anxiety, stress and depressive symptoms among youth, accelerated by social pressure, economic uncertainty and online exposure. UNICEF’s 2021–2025 regional strategy has repeatedly urged governments to prioritise youth mental wellbeing, warning that untreated conditions during adolescence can shape lifelong outcomes. In Cyprus, school counsellors and youth workers have reported growing demand for psychological support, especially after the pandemic and recent economic disruptions.
Crucially, officials say this is only the beginning. The campaign is designed to run through the final phase of the current EU-funded project and will feed into a broader expansion of youth mental health services in 2026. The Ministry, UNICEF and the Youth Board of Cyprus, along with the Cyprus Youth Council, have been involved from the outset, ensuring the material reflects real needs.