February 19, 2025

Large Attendance of Educators at the Lecture “Anxiety & Anger in Adolescence” by Mazí gia to Paidi and the Regional Directorate of Education A.M.Th.

Together for Children, in collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Education of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, successfully organized a lecture on “Anxiety & Anger in Adolescence.” The event took place on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the Amphitheater of the Komotini Music High School, with speaker Mr. Argyris Strigaris, MD, PhD, FRCPsych, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and University College London (UCL), and Scientific Director of Together for Children.

More than 300 education professionals and teachers from primary and secondary schools in the regions of Evros, Rhodope, Xanthi, Kavala, and Drama attended the lecture. Following Mr. Strigaris’ presentation, a discussion with the audience took place, addressing key issues related to anxiety and anger in adolescents.

Key Points of the Lecture

Mr. Strigaris analyzed the connection between anxiety and anger in adolescents, answering critical questions such as:

  • What is the relationship between anxiety and anger, and how does the brain process these emotions?
  • What social and school conditions reinforce these feelings?
  • When do these emotions become pathological, and what are the consequences?
  • What interventions can be implemented in the school environment to manage them?

As Professor Argyris Strigaris emphasized:
“The collaboration between Mazí gia to Paidi and the Educational Community is not new but the result of a deep relationship of trust and a shared purpose—to support children across the country, especially the most vulnerable. This collaboration is now expanding into the field of mental health, which is a crucial issue for young people both in Greece and worldwide. On one hand, we are witnessing a concerning rise in anxiety-related issues among young people; on the other, new knowledge is continuously emerging on how to prevent these problems, with schools at the center of these efforts. We are experiencing a paradigm shift in how we approach mental health challenges, establishing a foundation within schools, the place where young people spend most of their day. Together for Children is at the forefront of this effort, providing scientifically validated expertise in collaboration with educators and young people themselves.”

On the occasion of the event, the Deputy Director of the Regional Directorate of Education of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Dr. Marigoula Kosmidou, stated:
“The topic analyzed with scientific clarity by Professor Strigaris is of utmost importance to the educational community, as anxiety and anger affect both learning and students’ social relationships. We sincerely thank Together for Children for this initiative, which paves the way for further collaboration in the field of mental health. Through such actions, educators in our region gain valuable knowledge and insights to contribute to a smoother and more constructive school environment.”

The large attendance at the event highlights the need for more awareness and support initiatives aimed at strengthening students’ mental resilience and fostering a more supportive school environment. Together for Children will continue to stand by the school community of Thrace, supporting educators, parents, and adolescents through actions that promote students’ mental well-being.

The lecture was held with the kind support of the Public Power Corporation (DEI).