On Thursday, October 10, 2024, a hybrid seminar was held in honor of World Mental Health Day at the European Parliament Offices in Athens and online. The event was a collaborative initiative of the Hellenic Psychiatric Association for Prevention, the European Association of Professors Emeriti, and the Greek Carers Network EPIONI, as part of the EU-funded Sharing4Employment program.

The seminar focused on the connection between mental health and well-being in the workplace, highlighting the need for holistic and sustainable solutions while emphasizing the vital role of carers in supporting mental health.


Distinguished Speakers

The seminar hosted eminent speakers from Greece and abroad, presenting diverse perspectives on mental health in the workplace:

  1. Juan Mezzich – Secretary-General, International College of Person-Centered Medicine, and former President of the World Psychiatric Association.
    Topic: “From Mental Health to General Well-being in the Workplace.”
  2. Gabriel Ivbijaro – Secretary-General, World Federation for Mental Health.
    Topic: “Prioritizing Well-being in the Workplace: A Practical Approach.”
  3. George Chrousos – Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
    Topic: “Stress in the Workplace.”
  4. Danuta Wasserman – President of the World Psychiatric Association.
    Topic: “The Perspective of the World Psychiatric Association.”
  5. Norman Sartorius – Former President of the World Psychiatric Association.
    Topic: “The Forgotten Workplace: The Needs of Carers Supporting Individuals with Mental Health Issues at Home.”
  6. Spiros Zorbas – President, Greek Carers Network EPIONI.
    Topic: “The Contribution of Carers to the Well-being of Individuals with Mental Health Issues.”

Other prominent speakers included Ledia Lazeri (WHO), Nano Papalexandri (Emeritus Professor of Economics), and Dusica Lecic-Tosevski (Professor of Psychiatry), who enriched the discussions with their expert insights.


Opening Remarks

The event began with opening remarks by George Christodoulou, President of the European Association of Professors Emeriti, and Nikos Christodoulou, General Secretary of the Hellenic Psychiatric Association for Prevention. Welcoming addresses were also delivered by:

  • Niki Kerameos, Minister of Labor and Social Insurance,
  • Dimitrios Vartzopoulos, Deputy Minister of Health,
  • Zoi Rapti, Deputy Minister of Development, and
  • George Patoulis, President of the Athens Medical Association.

Discussions and Closing

The seminar concluded with an interactive discussion moderated by George Ikkos and Nikos Christodoulou, offering participants the opportunity to exchange views and propose strategies for the future.


Acknowledgments

The organizers express their heartfelt gratitude to all participants, contributors, and the European Union for supporting this event through the Sharing4Employment program.

For more information about the seminar and future activities, please contact profchristodoulou@gmail.com.


The Greek Carers Network EPIONI remains committed to promoting mental health and empowering carers.