TRNC Ministry of Health opens walk-in psychological support for those affected by the vessel sinking off Kyrenia

The TRNC Ministry of Health has opened psychological support without prior appointment for everyone affected by the vessel sinking off Kyrenia on August 30. Adults, children and teenagers can visit the outpatient clinics of the state Barış Mental Health Center (Barış Ruh ve Sinir Hastalıkları Merkezi) during working hours.

The support is intended not only for the passengers themselves and their relatives: the ministry stresses that those indirectly affected by the events can also seek help.

The Ministry of Health listed signs indicating that professional support is needed: symptoms are intensifying day by day, images of what happened keep returning involuntarily, feelings of helplessness, anger and guilt emerge, along with a rapid heartbeat and a sensation of shortness of breath, everyday life is noticeably disrupted, severe panic sets in, or normal sleep remains impossible for a long time. Thoughts of harming oneself or others were listed separately — in this case, a specialist should be contacted immediately.

The Filo Jet catamaran, sailing from Taşucu with 259 passengers and 8 crew members on board, sank off the coast of Kyrenia on August 30. Eight people died, 18 people remain missing, and the vessel is lying at a depth of 514 meters.

“During these difficult days, we will continue to stand by our citizens,” the Barış Mental Health Center said.