Depression

Introduction

Depression is among the most common and impactful mental health conditions worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, more than 280 million people experience depression, making it a leading cause of disability and reduced quality of life. Far from being a temporary low mood, depression is a clinical condition that affects emotions, cognitive functioning, physical health, and daily behaviour.

What is depression?

Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) is characterized by persistent low mood, diminished interest or pleasure (anhedonia), and changes in cognition and physical functioning. These symptoms must last at least two weeks and significantly interfere with daily life.

Scientific research shows that depression involves changes in brain circuits responsible for mood regulation, including altered activity in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus, as well as imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

UCLan Cyprus and Holina Cyprus.

Memorandum of Understanding

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between UCLan Cyprus and Holina Cyprus on the 25th of October 2022 at the premises of the British University of Cyprus. The purpose of the Memorandum is to provide a framework of collaboration between UCLan Cyprus and Holina Cyprus, in areas of teaching, research, science, innovation and applied experience, aiming to support the well-being of Holina Cyprus’s residents, to foster, as well as develop employability skills for youth and young adults who deal with behavioural health issues.

Holina Cyprus serves as a young person’s community, offering its residents a holistic mental and spiritual support system for youth and young adults to feel safe and trusted and thus overcome behavioural health issues of various forms. With the support of a team of psychologists and psychotherapists who are among the best in the world, Holina Youth Village creates a life-changing programme, which offers an innovative approach to the healing process by incorporating educational and teaching objectives. UCLan Cyprus, with its unique blend of academic and practical experience, as well as its unparallel commitment to initiatives which promote the health and well-being of youth, will develop an innovative educational programme on various courses which present a special interest to Holina Village Youth residents.

What Depression Feels Like?

Depression can take many forms, including:

Persistent sadness or emptiness
Fatigue or lack of motivation
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Loss of interest in people or activities
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
Emotional numbness or disconnection

Depression can cause difficulties in all aspects of life, including in the community and at home, work and school.

What are the Risk Factors for Depression?

Depression can affect anyone—even those who seemingly have it all. Several factors can play a role in depression. Several factors can play a role in depression:

Biochemical: Differences in certain chemicals in the brain (such as the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine) may contribute to symptoms of depression.

Genetic: Depression can run in families. For example, if one identical twin has depression, the other has a 70 percent chance of having the illness sometime in life.

Personality: People with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally pessimistic may be more likely to experience depression.

Environmental: Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty can also pose risks for developing depression.

Everyday Strategies for Managing Depression

Even outside formal treatment, daily habits can have a significant impact on mood and resilience:

Routine: Maintaining regular sleep, meals, and activity schedules

Movement: Simple daily walks, yoga, or stretching to improve energy and mental clarity

Social Support: Reaching out to friends, family, or support groups

Creative Outlets: Engaging in music, art, writing, or hobbies

Mindfulness Practices: Journaling, meditation, or breathing exercises to reduce stress

Limiting Alcohol and Avoiding Drugs: These can worsen symptoms over time

Small steps, consistently applied, can make a meaningful difference in managing depression.

How Can Depression Co-Exist with Alcohol and Drug Use?

Depression frequently co-occurs with substance use disorders, alcohol misuse, and a history of trauma. Research demonstrates that these factors can both contribute to the development of depression and intensify existing symptoms, creating a complex clinical picture that requires integrated assessment and treatment.

Prevention and Long-Term Mental Health

Even after recovery, depression can recur. Long-term strategies include:

Continuing therapy or medication as prescribed

Monitoring early signs, such as changes in sleep, energy, or mood

Maintaining social connections and seeking help when needed

Practicing regular stress management

Engaging in purposeful activities that bring joy and fulfilment

Proactive self-care and ongoing support help prevent relapse and support lasting mental wellness.

How ‘Holina Village Cyprus’ can Help?

‘Holina Village Cyprus’ offers a comprehensive, integrative, and trauma-informed approach to mental health and recovery, designed to support individuals experiencing depression, substance use challenges, emotional distress, or the long-term effects of trauma. Our model combines evidence-based clinical practices with holistic healing methods to address the root causes rather than only the symptoms.

Begin Your Healing Journey

Healing is not a single step but a compassionate commitment to yourself. No matter how long you have been carrying pain, depression, or the weight of past experiences, change is possible. You deserve support, understanding, and a space where your wellbeing truly matters.

Every journey begins with one small decision — to reach out, to breathe, to believe that things can get better. You do not have to do it alone; we are here to walk with you. Contact us to get more information.

Locations

Holina Global Locations

Holina Rehabilitation Services are also available in Thailand at our Holina Treatment Centre on Koh Phangan Island where we provide a holistic recovery program for mind, body & soul. A robust 12-step program, psychotherapy & trauma resolution, body movement, breathwork, somatic therapy, partially submerged in the pool, massages & physical wellness, art therapy, therapeutic activities, spiritual practices like meditation & mindfulness as well as a tailored post-rehab program – these are just a few of the main ingredients for the successful long-term recovery offered at Holina. We also cater for the corporate and business world with our Spiritual Retreats at our forthcoming location on Koh Phangan Island.

Holina Koh Phangan

Addiction Treatment Centre

Some of the world’s leading addiction specialists are some of the key components that lead to our client’s long term success.

Holina Retreat

Corporate Spiritual Retreat

Specialising in healing our emotions and expanding our spirit through our beautiful retreat in Koh Phangan.

Prepare Your Journey to Holina Village

Holina Cyprus Care Center FAQ’s

Why should I go to Holina Village?

If you are experiencing challenges or struggles in your life that are giving you uncomfortable consequences – for example, failing at school, getting arrested, hurting your friends or losing them, experiencing strong anxiety, self-harming, cutting yourself off from people and hiding, etc, then Holina Village would make a great place for you to transform yourself from unnecessary pain or discomfort and discover joy and vitality back into your life.

What do you treat?

Holina Village is focused on emotional and behavioural health, including addictions, self-harming, anti-social behaviours, stress, diminished motivation, isolation,
insecurity, anxiety and other challenges socially awkward feelings or attitudes.

How long do people stay?

Our minimum commitment is 4 weeks, though realistically this is rarely enough time to bring about long-lasting change. Therefore we strongly suggest 6 to 12 months, particularly if they want to engage in the educational opportunities our partners UCLAN (University of Central Lancashire) offer us. Whilst our minimum commitment is 4 weeks, many, probably most of our residents stay around 3 to 6 months.

Are you a residential environment or can I just drop by?

We are a fully immersed residential experience, with a minimum of one-month commitment, though most residents stay for 3 or more months, often 6 months or even longer.

No one is allowed to visit unscheduled without an appointment, though family members are encouraged to come and visit on weekends, in the second month onwards.

It is important to us that we protect the sanctity of the Holina Village space and keep them safe. We are not a daycare facility or outpatient service. We only serve those people looking for a fully immersive experience.

So my family can visit me whilst I’m in treatment?

We encourage parents and adult family members to come and visit from the 2 nd month onwards at weekends. We offer Family Therapy during these visits (held over weekends) in both group and private settings. We understand that sometimes the whole family needs to heal, and we believe these therapeutically supported family sessions will help the greater family. Furthermore, we know that your success is significantly improved when family members are engaged in their loved one’s recovery.

Can I smoke / Vape?

Yes, you may, if you are above the legal age to smoke. Whilst we’d love to encourage you to quit whilst you’re with us, we acknowledge that many people do smoke. There is a dedicated smoking area.

What’s the weather like?

Cyprus is a pleasant climate all year round. Certainly plenty of blue skies. It’s the warmest part of Europe during the Winter months. Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers from mid–May to mid–October, and mild winters from December to February, which is separated by short autumn and spring seasons.

August is the hottest month in Paphos with an average temperature of 26°C (79°F) and the coldest is January at 13°C (55°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 13 in July. The wettest month is December with an average of 93.9mm of rain.

What should I pack?

Pack as if you were coming on an adventure holiday to an island with plenty of land and sea-based activities. Dress casually and comfortably. It’s not a fashion parade but a small village of like-minded friends all hanging out together.

Bring activewear for workouts and other fitness activities including swimming, sports shoes, and light wear for yoga. We do physical activities almost every day, so bring a few pairs to allow for laundry times.
We have a safe to keep your valuables in, but expensive jewellery and other luxury items are unnecessary.

Toiletries: Please bring your toiletries and hygiene products, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, shaving materials, basic makeup, hairbrush, etc. Anything you forget we can purchase from local shops.

Medications: You are allowed to continue using your doctor-prescribed medications whilst with us, but please do bring proof of your prescription. Please keep all your pills in the original packaging so that they are considered authorized narcotics.

What should I not pack then?

Kindly do not bring the following:

Alcohol or drugs: It might seem self-explanatory, but some clients may try to sneak in a last-minute hit, fix, pill, can, bottle, etc. Your bags and belongings will be searched when you arrive at Holina.

Alcohol or drug paraphernalia: This includes anything that advertises or glorifies the use of alcohol or drugs. This should also include items that display support for criminal acts including terrorism, sex, gambling, or other negatively perceived notions that could upset other residents.

Weapons: There is no need to bring any knives or weapons with you to Cyprus or treatment. They will be confiscated and destroyed.

Toiletries that contain alcohol: Leave any alcohol-based products at home, such as certain mouthwashes, nail polish removers, perfumes, and aerosols.

Can you cater to all dietary requirements?

We cater to all dietary requirements, though we request that you inform us in advance so we can prepare. You can advise us of any of your specific dietary needs and we can manage them. We’re used to having people with all types of needs.

How much does Holina Village cost?

Our prices are all-inclusive and agreed upon based on your length of stay. Minimum stay in one month is €15,000, 3 months is €40,000 and 6 months is €70,000

Any other hidden costs?

We don’t have any hidden costs, though there are some costs that you should be aware of. Things that are not covered include:

We ask you to pay for anything medical above first aid which our staff are trained in, for instance, any prescribed medications or requirements for further medical support..

We also ask that you have travel or medical insurance in place before you come to us. This is really for any emergencies, for instance if you fall over and break your arm or some other accident and you require a trip to the hospital.

We don’t pay for your flights to and from Larnaca Airport (LCA), but we will meet and greet you at the airport on arrival. We can chaperone you door to door-from your home at an extra charge (calculated based on the distance/complexity using one of our Recovery Coaches).

Typically, our clients spend between €50 and €100 per month on personal items, such as snacks, sodas, cigarettes, some toiletries, etc, but it’s not necessary to spend any more.

Do I need a Visa or any vaccines?

At this time, residents of most countries around the world can come to Cyprus and achieve a visa upon entry. We will advise you on this process. It’s very straight forwards.
If you extend your treatment and need a longer visa then we will swallow this cost for you.

Get Touch

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Start Your Teen’s Recovery Journey Today

If you are looking for a specialized rehab program for your teen or young adult, Holina Village is here to help. Whether you are seeking teen addiction treatment, mental health services, or teen trauma recovery, we offer comprehensive, English-speaking rehab services to teens and young adults from Cyprus and Europe.

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