Marking World Mental Health Day the Mental Health Association of Cyprus is organising on Friday, October 10, a Mini Festival on Mental Health at Eleftheria Square, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The festival aims to raise public awareness and promote familiarity with creative therapies such as dance therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, art therapy and occupational therapy, approaches that support emotional wellbeing and recovery. Participants will have the opportunity to join free interactive workshops and short activities designed to introduce them to these methods.
At 5:30 p.m., the Ministry of Health and the Occupational Therapy Department of the Mental Health Services will hold an awareness march along Ledra and Onasagorou streets, accompanied by the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Pancyprian Gymnasium.
Short addresses will follow by Health Minister Michalis Damianos, Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos, Dr. Anna Paradeisioti, Myria Antoniadou, President of the Mental Health Association, and Poly Grigora, speaking as an expert by experience.
The evening will close with the lighting of Eleftheria Square in green, the international colour of mental health, sending a message of hope, solidarity and inclusion.
Speaking to Politis to the Point, President Myria Antoniadou said:
“This festival is part of our ongoing effort to raise awareness and fight stigma. We want to underline that mental health affects everyone and is not limited to severe conditions like schizophrenia. Depression and panic attacks, for example, are also mental health issues that need to be addressed effectively within society. That’s why we invited expressive arts therapists to participate, to show people that there are creative ways to face their challenges. During the festival, they’ll inform visitors about their work and hold short teaser workshops. Our festival is free and open to people of all ages, whether or not they’ve faced mental health challenges.”
The event is free and open to the public.