A total of 3,717 patients were admitted to Mount Carmel Hospital for treatment between 2010 and 2013, with an increasing trend being registered.

Answering a question put by opposition MP Mario Galea, a strong exponenet in the fight against the stigma of mental illness, Health Minister Konrad Mizzi announced the figures in parliament and the trend showed an increase every year, particularly amongst men.

Dr Mizzi said that in 2010, 835 men and 300 women were given treatment. In 2011, 884 men and 394 women were given treatment and in 2013, men broke the 900 barrier with 910 patients and 394 women. Mr Galea suffers from depression and has tirelessly worked to push the issue onto the agenda.