Residents of the TRNC Struggle with Anxiety, Anger, and Depression

A recent survey conducted by the Center for Migration, Identity, and Rights Studies (CMIRS) in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) paints a troubling picture of public sentiment. Only 14.91% of respondents believe the country is moving in the right direction.

The findings also reveal that many TRNC residents frequently experience anxiety, anger, helplessness, and depression.

The survey, conducted in December 2024, involved 500 participants and assessed public trust in political and social systems, personal confidence, and overall happiness among Turkish Cypriots. This study is part of a regular quarterly series by CMIRS.

Key results indicate that only 14.6% of those surveyed are satisfied with the government, while just 13.62% believe they have any influence over decision-making processes in the country.

According to CMIRS Director Mine Yücel, the survey highlights persistent issues such as uncertainty, lack of justice, corruption, and political favoritism in addressing the Cyprus problem. These factors, she noted, reinforce a sense among citizens that “not everyone in the country is treated equally.” The resulting environment undermines public confidence in the future and creates a pervasive atmosphere of helplessness and hopelessness.

The study further revealed that:

• 58% of respondents frequently feel anxious,
• 45.8% often experience anger,
• 35.8% regularly feel helpless, and
• 25.5% report experiencing constant depression.

“These numbers reflect the scale of social dissatisfaction and despair,” Yücel stated. “We urgently need to rebuild the country’s policies and institutions on a foundation of justice and the rule of law. Governance must serve the collective good, and restoring public trust requires a renewed sense of fairness. To achieve this, we need visionary leadership that takes societal concerns seriously.”