Athalassa’s psychiatric hospital faces severe overcrowding

A senior nursing officer with Cyprus’s Mental Health Services told Parliament’s Health Committee that society sweeps its problems “under the carpet,” with people suffering psychiatric conditions often only seeking help once they have reached breaking point, due to persistent stigma in Cypriot society. His remarks stunned the committee.

Anthos Giannapis, chief nursing officer for the Mental Health Services, said staff had struggled for years to find locations to relocate people needing support...