“Investing in mental health is investing in the future”
Speaking about World Mental Health Day, which was declared by the World Federation for Mental Health with the 2025 theme “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eliz Volkan, a faculty member at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Cyprus International University, stated: “Today should not only be about raising awareness, but also the beginning of a true transformation in terms of access to services and societal sensitivity.” Volkan, who said, “The essence of this year’s theme is strengthening access to psychological health services in disasters and emergencies,” added:
“Prevention is always easier than treatment; both academically and practically, efforts in prevention should be increased.” She continued: “Asking for help is an act of courage, and investing in your psychological well-being is an investment in your future.”
“Unfortunately, mental health is still not taken as seriously as physical health,” Volkan stated, pointing out that there are still prejudices in society toward psychotherapy. “Yet mental health is as fundamental a right and need as physical health — it can even be the underlying cause of physical ailments,” she said. “On the other hand, it is promising that young people are more open to seeking support,” she noted. “The most critical step is recognizing that seeking help is not a weakness, but a sign of valuing yourself and those around you.”
1. What kind of impact do you hope October 10th, World Mental Health Day, will have on society?
Today should not only mark the creation of awareness, but also be the beginning of a true transformation in terms of access to services and societal sensitivity. I hope people begin to see mental health not as a “private issue,” but as a shared concern of society.
The core of this year’s theme is the strengthening of access to psychological health services during disasters and emergencies. The goal is to make the stepped-care chain — from first aid, psychological first aid, brief interventions, to professional support — more visible. We have recently seen, in the most painful way, just how important this is. After the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye, psychosocial support activities became widespread. Today, we must remember the importance of the continuity and accessibility of such services on the ground. I would like to emphasize once again that continuous development and preparedness efforts for such situations must be made in advance. Preventive efforts should be considered just as important as interventions and treatment. Prevention is always easier than treatment. Both academically and practically, we need to increase our efforts in preventive work.
2. In your opinion, is mental health taken as seriously as physical health? Is there still prejudice in society?
Unfortunately, mental health is still not taken as seriously as physical health. Because it is “invisible,” it tends to be postponed or underestimated. There are still societal prejudices toward psychotherapy. Although the situation is definitely better than before and expected to improve further, mental health still appears to be treated as a health issue that can be “delayed.” Yet mental health is just as much a fundamental right and need as physical health — in fact, it can sometimes be the underlying cause of physical problems. Global data and regional reports show that the demand for services is increasing, yet inequalities in access persist. (For example, increases in service use among young people and in tele-psychological services.) Stigma still exists. Systematic reviews show that stigma reduces help-seeking behavior; however, interventions based on social contact and education have been found to be effective in the short term for changing knowledge and attitudes.
3. “How can we combat stigma?”
The most effective way to break stigma is to talk about it and make it visible. It’s crucial that people share their experiences, that role models offer open support, and that awareness programs are included in schools and the media. Additionally, accessing accurate information on social media and countering misinformation is a powerful tool. In combating stigma, education (school, campus, and workplace programs), contact-based initiatives (in-person or video accounts of recovery stories), structural changes (policies that improve access), and findings from meta-analyses are all important. School-based programs are especially effective among young people.
4. Why have anxiety, depression, and loneliness increased among young people?
This is a very important question. While loneliness is not a pathology in itself, it can be considered a condition that may lead to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety — in other words, a risk factor. Many studies show that biological factors — such as hormonal changes during adolescence, brain development, and genetics — contribute to this process. In addition, environmental factors like family and peer relationships, and the use of social media, have significant impacts. Looking at today’s context, young people — especially in the post-pandemic period — are living under the pressure of uncertainty, educational and career concerns, economic difficulties, future anxiety, and the influence of social media. In particular, social comparison and cyberbullying deepen feelings of loneliness and anxiety. On the other hand, it is promising that young people are becoming more open to seeking support.
Post-pandemic uncertainty, academic and work-related pressures, economic stressors, social media dynamics, and social isolation are all major contributors to anxiety and depression. In recent years, reported psychological symptoms and help-seeking rates among young people have increased (although the data vary by country, the trend is similar). WHO and UNICEF data emphasize that the burden of psychological disorders among adolescents is high (approximately 1 in 7 adolescents) and that early intervention is critical. When it comes to loneliness, there are numerous studies that highlight the role of social media. However, a paradox exists in this context: while social media can facilitate connection, it can also increase loneliness through superficial relationships and a sense of exclusion. Additionally, in Northern Cyprus, due to the smaller community structure, stigmatizing discourse on social media can affect individuals more quickly — but at the same time, forming solidarity networks can also be easier.
5. What are the challenges in accessing mental health services? How can access be expanded?
One of the biggest challenges is inequality in access. Not every region has enough specialists, and the cost of services can be high. For example, the psychiatrist-to-population ratio is below the European average, and regional disparities significantly affect access. Efforts must be made to address this, and more inclusive policies should be developed.
For instance:
• Increasing the number of community-based centers and hiring more mental health professionals in hospitals
• Providing school- and university-based services (such as CIU PCGC)
• Expanding digital psychological support and internet-based programs, such as evidence-based CBT programs
• Promoting stepped-care services like psychosocial first aid during disasters and emergencies
The most critical step is recognizing that seeking help is not a “weakness” but a sign of valuing oneself and others. Messages embedded in the education system, workplaces, and media should help create the perception that “going to therapy can be as natural and necessary as going to the dentist.” Digital therapy programs should be made more widespread.
6. What is the most important step in normalizing psychological support?
The most critical step is accepting that seeking help is not a sign of “weakness,” but rather an expression of valuing yourself and those around you. This message that psychological support is a normal and legitimate need should be conveyed through the education system, workplaces, and the media.
We are living in a time when more than half of the world’s population is known to experience at least one mental health issue in their lifetime. Mood disorders like depression and anxiety are among the most common. Therefore, it is unacceptable that seeking help for such a widespread issue is still not perceived as “normal.”
The most accessible first step is integration into schools and workplaces. Establishing a screening–brief intervention–referral line through family medicine, school counseling, and workplace health units is essential. Education- and contact-based anti-stigma programs should be embedded into these environments.
7. Do you have a message of hope for individuals experiencing mental health issues? What is your core message to students and society on World Mental Health Day?
What I want everyone to know is this: You are not alone, and what you're going through does not diminish your worth. Psychological struggles are treatable and can be overcome with the right support. Recovery is always possible — never forget that even small steps can lead to major transformation. Mental health is not a privilege; it is a fundamental human right. Even in times of crisis and hardship, with solidarity and the right support, we can become a stronger society. And to students in particular, I would like to say:
“Asking for help is an act of courage, and investing in your mental health is investing in your future.”
Three clear recommendations for society:
1. A more empathetic society is possible.
2. We must normalize help-seeking behavior.
3. Approach someone who is struggling with the PFA (Psychological First Aid) principles: listen, connect, and offer practical support.
On October 10th, the goal should go beyond simply reminding people of the importance of mental health — we must implement accessible and stepped mental health services using evidence-based approaches (such as CBT, PFA, TF-CBT, and iCBT). Doing so helps reduce stigma, increases early intervention, and ensures that no one is left behind during disasters and emergencies.
Additionally, as we have seen both during the pandemic and in the aftermath of the February 6 earthquakes, social media can serve as both a channel for vital information and services — or a source of misinformation. Therefore, social media use during crises should be regulated, and efforts must be made to prevent the spread of misinformation.