The Grief In Greece.

The number of suicides in Greece has gone up 40% since 2011(according to The Guardian 18.12.2011).

Before the crisis began 3 years ago, Greece had the low suicide rate of 2.8 per 100.000 people.It now has double that number.

Attempted suicides have also increased.

This is in a country where the Orthodox  Church  refuses funeral rights for those who take their lives.There is a stigma attached to this awfully sad form of death.

Before the crisis, the 24 hour Suicide Hotline received 10 calls a day.It now gets more than 100 in any 24 hour period.

Most are men and  women between 30 and 50, and men between 40 and 50 despairing over economic problems.

Unemployment is sky-high;I don't. believe the figures given,but I suspect  it is something like 70 to 80 %.

There are over 20.000 homeless in central Athens.

Drug use is on the rise.

Mental health problems,depression, neuroses,and cases of self harm are surging.

Psychiatrists have reported a 30% increase in demand for their services.

Child Helpline have been swamped with calls; stress levels of children are through the roof.

No of businesses closed in 2011, 68000(as on 25.9.2011).Since then it has got even worse, but I have not been able to locate the actual figures up to the present day.

It just goes on and on;people lose their jobs,lose homes,lose dignity and pride. Family life suffers as rows increase under the unbearable tension all the time.

The whole scenario is just unbelievable.

And some people are still going to vote in the Elections that are due shortly !!

I live in Greece, and  despite the opinion polls saying some people will vote,everyone I speak to, whether young or old,all say that they will never vote for anyone ever again.

Maybe the opinion polls are a complete fabrication in a desperate attempt to make us believe that everything is still normal,and the sick system is still working.

Well, it's not;it's over.

The Greeks want to take their lives, and their country back,and to get rid of the same old faces that have dominated Greek politics  for far too long. They have been sussed to who they really are,and that the interests of the people is the last thing on their minds,as they only care for what is in it for them.Thank goodness the majority of Greeks understand this,and will not be fooled again.

The question is ,is it really possible to get rid of the sick, corrupt way?

The powers that be will fight tooth and nail to keep their positions.

Perhaps they forget that they are only a few against a formidable number of over 11 million people.

I'd say the odds are stacked against them. Wouldn't you?





I live in Greece and it's strange that everyone I speak to ,whether young or old,all say that they will never vote