Bringing Male Psychology to Greece: The Birth of KE.A.ΨΥ

In the land that gave birth to Stoicism, there is a quiet crisis taking place. In Greece today, men account for nearly 80% of all suicides (Klimaka, 2022). Yet, if you look at official mental health statistics, men make up only about 30% of depression diagnoses (Hellenic Statistical Authority, 2019).

This "gender paradox" is just the tip of the iceberg. Beyond the suicide statistics, the distress of Greek men is visible in other stark figures: men account for 79% of drug-related deaths (European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, 2022) and constitute 97% of the prison population (Eurostat, 2023).

These numbers suggest that while many Greek men are suffering deeply, they are doing so in silence. They remain unseen by a mental health system that often fails to speak their language.

The "Blind Spot" in Psychotherapy

My recent qualitative research for my bachelor's thesis with Greek men revealed that the reluctance to seek help is far more complex than the stereotype of "stubbornness" or "toxic masculinity" (Papamanolioudakis et al., 2024). As far as I know, this was the first study that actually asked Greek men why they don't go to therapy, leaving a significant gap in our understanding. Participants identified systemic barriers, primarily a deep-seated ambiguity and lack of trust regarding the therapeutic process. They described therapy as a vague, endless undertaking with no clear goals, fueling fears of dependency and financial exploitation rather than empowerment.

But there is more, the "feminization" of mental health care emerged as a critical theme. Many men viewed therapy as culturally alien, a practice designed for women that prioritizes emotional ventilation over practical problem-solving.This mismatch forces men to choose between their identity and their mental health. They aren't rejecting help; they are rejecting a format that lacks the clarity, structure, and "shoulder-to-shoulder" alliance they need.

Introducing KE.A.ΨΥ (Centre for Male Psychology)

This is exactly why we created KE.A.ΨΥ (Κέντρο Ανδρικής Ψυχολογίας). Our mission is to create a hub for Information, Education, and Connection that is unapologetically male-friendly.

Our approach is grounded in 10 Core Principles, inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Barry and the Centre for Male Psychology. Three of these are fundamental to our identity:

1. Masculinity is a Strength, Not a Pathology

   We reject the unhelpful narrative of "toxic masculinity". Instead, we help men harness their masculinity, specifically their drive for competence, protection, and responsibility, as a resource for recovery.

2. Respect for Male Communication Styles

   We advocate for "shoulder-to-shoulder" approaches and solution-focused interventions that respect a man’s need for autonomy.

3. Empowerment and Autonomy

   We view the man not as a passive patient, but as the active protagonist of his change. We support him in taking control of his life, validating his desire for self-reliance rather than pathologizing it.

A Foundation of Evidence: Translating the BPS Guidelines

We knew that to change the culture, we needed strong evidence. That is why our first major initiative was the Greek translation of the British Psychological Society’s (BPS) briefing paper: "Psychological Interventions to Help Male Adults" by Martin Seager and John Barry (2022).

By making this seminal document accessible to Greek professionals, we are providing the scientific legitimacy needed to challenge the status quo. We want every psychologist in Greece to know that treating men differently is not about discrimination. It is about competence.

The Road Ahead: From Theory to Action

KE.A.ΨΥ is moving swiftly from establishing principles to implementing practice. Our strategic roadmap focuses on four key pillars designed to meet men exactly where they are:

1.       Building the "Male-Friendly" Directory
We are curating the first directory of mental health professionals in Greece. While they are not specifically trained in male psychology, we screen them through specific clinical case studies to ensure that their values are aligned with ours, and we will support them (provide information, supervision etc). This ensures that when a man finally decides to reach out, the hand grasping his back is competent, understanding, and free of judgment.

2.       Launching "Re-Focus" Seminars
We recognize that men prefer practical tools over vague discussions. That is why we are launching "Re-Focus", a series of free, psycho-educational webinars. These sessions tackle real-world challenges ranging from the transition to fatherhood and communication strategies, to managing stress and navigating digital habits such as pornography use. Our goal is to provide men with actionable strategies to regain control and focus.

3.       "Talk and Action" Therapy
While traditional therapy circles can feel intimidating, we plan to introduce environments that support both action-oriented and talk-and-listen approaches, as well as group therapy. By creating spaces where connection happens naturally through doing, utilizing the "shoulder-to-shoulder" dynamic, we aim to make support more accessible and engaging.

4.       Strategic Partnerships
We plan to forge strategic partnerships to bring mental health awareness into male-centric spaces. From gyms and sports clubs to military units and workplaces, we aim to normalize mental health conversations in the very environments where men live, work, and train. We are actively trying to expand our network of professionals.

A Call to the Global Greek Community

Finally, we extend a call to Greeks around the world. Whether you are part of the diaspora or have returned home, you understand the unique weight of the Greek male experience. We are building this initiative for the sons, fathers, and brothers of Greece, but we cannot do it alone.

If you are a mental health professional, a researcher, or simply someone who believes in this cause, we invite you to join the discussion. Help us expand our network, share resources, and rewrite the narrative.

We are incredibly grateful for the support of Dr. John Barry and Martin Seager. Their work has given us the blueprint to build a better future for men’s mental health in Greece. It is a future where men are understood, respected, and supported on their own terms.

References

European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. (2022). European Drug Report 2022: Trends and Developments. Publications Office of the European Union.

Eurostat. (2023). Prison statistics. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat

Hellenic Statistical Authority. (2019). Health Interview Survey 2019. https://www.statistics.gr/

Klimaka. (2022). Suicide Observatory Annual Report 2022. https://www.klimaka.org.gr/

Papamanolioudakis, G., et al. (2024). The factors that prevent Greek men from seeking psychological support: A qualitative study [Unpublished bachelor's thesis]. Scientific College of Greece.

Seager, M., and Barry, J.(2022). Psychological interventions to help male adults [Briefing paper]. British Psychological Society.

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Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, legal advice, or other professional opinion. Never disregard such advice because of this article or anything else you have read from the Centre for Male Psychology. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of, or are endorsed by, The Centre for Male Psychology, and we cannot be held responsible for these views. Read our full disclaimer here.

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