COVID-19 and the economic crisis have both taken a serious toll on Greeks’ mental health, triggering aspects of psychopathology and fueling depression, explains Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology at Aiginiteio Hospital, Konstantinos Kontoaggelos, speaking to Direct and journalist Giorgos Evgenidis.

With long experience in supporting cancer patients and others suffering from serious illnesses, Kontoaggelos explains the role of liaison psychiatry. He notes that the most difficult cases he faces are young people with leukemia who seek answers about their condition. At the same time, he stresses the critical role of the family, pointing out that many relatives also need psychological support alongside the patients.

He emphasizes that people need to hear a hopeful word, and he explains how liaison psychiatry helps patients undergoing organ transplantation — how to manage the anxiety while waiting for a donor organ, and how to set boundaries afterward to improve one’s quality of life.

Kontoaggelos also refers to the case of Ioanna Paliospyrou, whom he supported psychiatrically for many years after the acid attack that destroyed her face. He explains that she had to manage a difficult postoperative condition under intense media scrutiny, and he highlights that his patient showed great strength of spirit and did not succumb to suicidal thoughts.