Press Release – “The Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Youth”

On Saturday, March 27, 2021, an online discussion was held on the topic: “The psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people”, by the Youth of the Hellenic Organization of Political Scientists (EONEPE). The event was promoted through the Zoom platform and with Facebook Live on the @HAPSc Youth page. Participating speakers were Ms. Iris Efthimiou-Egleton, author and President of the Interdisciplinary Council of EOPE, and Mrs. Bali Christina, psychologist, specializing in counseling psychology, education, special education and mental health. Young and not, they attended the discussion with undiminished interest, as the speeches were followed by a number of questions. The speakers focused on the psychosynthesis of young people during the pandemic, the ways of managing their mental state and the ability to take advantage of emerging opportunities and take advantage of the prospects that are formed.

In particular, Ms. Bali referred to the physical, mental and social consequences for young people of this unprecedented psycho-stressful experience, utilizing modern enlightenment studies and statistics. A Covid-19 pandemic has been observed to lead to increased stress, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and suicidal ideation. Next, ways to deal with pandemic-related stress were suggested.

Ms. Efthymiou-Egleton highlighted the opportunities that arise during the pandemic, emphasizing the special characteristics of the new generations and the dynamism they present. Considering that the Gen Z generation is the best educated generation in human history, while having a groundbreaking and pioneering spirit, he believes that young people, guided by self-knowledge and self-improvement, are endowed with the right supplies to change the world and to meet the challenges presented.