Cyprus Psychiatric Association: Suicide Prevention, Warning Signs and Support

02.06.2026 19:50

Psychiatrists stress that responsible information, early recognition of warning signs and stronger support services are crucial to prevention.

The Cyprus Psychiatric Association underlines the importance of avoiding:

detailed descriptions of the method or the location,

sensational headlines or dramatization,

idealisation or oversimplification of possible causes,

repeated and excessive projection of the incident.

Suicidality is usually the result of multifactorial and complex processes. Attributing such an event to a single cause does not reflect scientific reality and may lead to misunderstandings.

Responsible reporting

Overcoming stigma is not achieved through silence. Responsible reporting does not hide reality. On the contrary, it creates space for meaningful understanding, prevention and timely seeking of help. The discussion needs to shift:

from the details of the incident towards prevention,

to recognising warning signs of psychological distress,

to informing parents, educators and professionals for timely intervention,

to reducing stigma around mental health.

Withdrawal from activities, intense changes in behaviour, expressions of despair or references to self‑destructive thoughts are signs that should not be ignored. The Cyprus Psychiatric Association underlines the need for further strengthening of child and adolescent mental health services, as well as the support of school communities through multidisciplinary interventions and timely access to care. For every young person experiencing intense psychological pain, the message is: You are not alone and there is help. Seeking support is an act of strength.

In a small society

The tragic incident of the loss of the two young girls once again brings back in a painful way the need for a serious, scientifically documented and prejudice‑free public discussion on the mental health of children and young people. Suicidality and serious psychological crises constitute complex public health issues which require a responsible and careful approach.

Particularly in the Cypriot reality, due to the small size of society, the risk of identification and further burdening of families and affected individuals is increased. According to international public health guidelines and WHO, responsible journalistic coverage can substantially contribute to prevention.

Mental health professionals underline that silence around mental health does not protect society. On the contrary, responsible information can contribute to timely recognition of risks, reduction of stigma, encouragement to seek help and understanding that many mental disorders are treatable. As experts note, public discussion must move away from the search for “culprits” or simplistic explanations and focus essentially on prevention, support and access of young people to mental health services.