We are thrilled to share the success of the 11th “Caring for Caregivers” workshop, held on April 23rd at the Kalamata Cultural Center. With over 150 attendees, including caregivers and health professionals, the conversation moved beyond theory into the real biological and emotional heart of caregiving.
Key Takeaways:
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The Gender Gap: Dr. Christina Dalla highlighted that 2/3 of those facing depression are women, emphasizing how hormones and gender play a role in stress.
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The Messinia Reality: Dr. Konstantinos Siarkos shared that 63.7% of local caregivers experience a significant burden, with a growing “sandwich generation” caring for both children and elders.
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The “Invisible Patient”: Dr. Konstantina Kyrkou warned that chronic stress turns the caregiver into the “second patient” via biological markers like cortisol.
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Resilience is a Skill: Psychologist Vina Giannopoulou reminded us that resilience can be learned through positivity and flexibility.
The event closed with a moving panel of three local caregivers, moderated by Panagiota Anagnostopoulou (IASIS AMKE), who shared their lived experiences.
“You don’t need to be tireless; you need to be present. And to be present, you must be well.”
A huge thank you to the Captain Vassilis and Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation for their support, as well as the Municipality of Kalamata and all our partners.
We thank Rotary Club Kalamata Farae and the Apolafsi pastry shop for the coffee break.
#Caregiving #MentalHealth #Kalamata #PublicHealth #EPIONI #SocialSupport #Resilience
Collaborating Partners
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KDAPmeA of the Municipality of Kalamata
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Association of Parents & Friends of Persons with Autism of Messinia
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Thalpos – Mental Health
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IASIS AMKE
Acknowledgments
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Media Sponsors: Eleftheria Newspaper, psychologynow.gr, iatronet.gr.
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Sponsorship:
Through this seminar, EPIONI emphasizes that behind every patient stands a person offering tireless care. Our goal is to support these “invisible heroes” of our society.