His funeral is currently underway Dimitris Soura in the First Cemetery of Athens, and a large number of people gathered to honor his memory and to say the final farewell.
Friends, relatives and colleagues bid farewell to the distinguished psychiatrist, whose contribution was significant both professionally and socially.
Dimitris Souras died on Tuesday, November 19, at the age of 72. His death was caused by severe sepsis, a consequence of an abscess in the sacroiliac joint.
Farewell to Dimitris Soura
Grigoris Arnautoglou: “What I want to say is that Dimitris Souras was a frightening personality whose words cannot be said in five minutes, he helped many people, he helped since 2003 to bring psychology to the town of Greece as always. It was like the stigma of someone having something wrong if you said you were going to a psychiatrist or psychologist. This struggle has been going on for 20 years through my broadcasts, through Dimitris and through many other people who want to send a message, if “your soul hurts” that there is no shame in going to a psychiatrist and a psychologist. There is a huge struggle, things that many countries take for granted, that there is a family psychologist who can help many times in a better life here, even in small societies that we talk about if someone goes and the environment around him makes fun of him . or he treats it badly. This man did great things, I thank him for everything and for me and for what he left behind. Remember Dimitris Soura, he deserves it, he did very well.”
Apostolos Lytras: “A great family man, a great scientist, a great friend, he will be truly missed. I had very frequent communication with him. he advised me on many things. We will really need it. I was surprised when I found out, that I spoke to him recently I could not really imagine that this would happen to a very healthy man. Courage to his children.”
Markos Seferlis: It’s a difficult day when a great person leaves and especially a friend. Someone who you feel is by your side in everything you do. His speech inspired you, his speech was important and what he said had substance…. He was not one of those show biz people who talk for the sake of talking. He meant what he said and his words were very important and very important to anyone who considered him a friend. His loss was very sudden and for that reason we are shocked. They kept all this secret. There was no hint that it would end like this. That’s why it was sudden and scary for all of us.”
Magda Chegu: «>Dimitris Souras was a wonderful person, a loyal friend, a professional person who was close to all the women in Greece and we saw this in the years of his career, he was an excellent family man and he was a man who was there when you were he needs. Even for us colleagues. He never told a colleague to respond to an invitation to a show or a report or to anyone who asked for his help. He was an exceptional professional, a great person, a great family man.”
See photos
Magda Chegu
Zina Kouselini
Apostolos Lytras with his partner Theodora Papadopoulou
Coroner Grigoris Leon
Spyros Bibilas
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What were the key contributions of Dimitris Souras to the field of psychiatry in Greece?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Psychiatrist Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today as we pay tribute to the late Dimitris Souras. His recent passing has sent shockwaves throughout the psychiatric community and beyond. What do you think made Dr. Souras such an influential figure in the field of psychiatry?
Expert Psychiatrist: Thank you for having me. Dimitris Souras was not just a psychiatrist; he was a pioneer in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in Greece. For many years, seeking help for mental health issues was considered taboo, something shameful. Souras, through his practice and public outreach, emphasized that it’s okay to seek help—after all, emotional pain is just as real as physical pain. He truly advocated for mental health awareness.
Time.news Editor: It’s clear from the tributes that many viewed him as a mentor and a friend. Grigoris Arnautoglou mentioned Souras’s pivotal role since 2003 in the fight to normalize psychological help in Greece. How significant was it for someone of his stature to embark on this journey?
Expert Psychiatrist: Extremely significant. Dimitris used his platform to challenge societal norms, sparking conversations in a region where discussing feelings was often brushed aside. His advocacy made it socially acceptable to seek therapy. The ripple effect of such endeavors is profound; it’s not just about individual healing but cultural change.
Time.news Editor: Apostolos Lytras noted that he was “a great family man” and a reliable friend. How do you see this personal aspect reflecting in his professional practice?
Expert Psychiatrist: This personal touch is incredibly important in psychiatry. Building trust is essential for effective therapy. Souras’s ability to connect with people on a personal level likely enabled him to foster open communication with his patients. Many of them felt understood and validated, which is a critical component of the healing process.
Time.news Editor: There’s a lot of shock surrounding his sudden passing. Markos Seferlis expressed disbelief given that Souras seemed “very healthy.” How does the sudden loss of someone who plays such a central role impact a community?
Expert Psychiatrist: Sudden loss can leave a community in disarray and can exacerbate feelings of grief. The shock often stems from the abrupt end of support and guidance that the individual provided. For a community that relied on his voice to advocate for mental health, losing that anchor can be especially painful. This can also lead to conversations around the importance of fostering resilience and support networks.
Time.news Editor: Another colleague, Magda Chegu, emphasized his unwavering support for his peers. In what ways can professional communities emulate Souras’s commitment to mutual support?
Expert Psychiatrist: Creating an environment where professionals help one another is essential. This could involve mentorship programs, peer support networks, and open forums for discussing challenges and triumphs in practice. By fostering a culture of cooperation, we can ensure that no one feels alone, just as Dimitris exemplified in his relationships with colleagues.
Time.news Editor: As we reflect on Dimitris Souras’s legacy, what do you believe will be his most lasting impact on psychology in Greece?
Expert Psychiatrist: His most lasting impact will likely be the normalization of mental health care. What he fought for was not just for his patients, but for future generations to feel comfortable discussing their mental health. His work has laid the groundwork for future advancements in how society perceives and addresses mental health issues. We owe it to him—and to ourselves—to continue this journey toward acceptance and understanding.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights. It’s important to remember the legacy of individuals like Dimitris Souras, who made significant strides in promoting mental health awareness and support.