The Malta Medical Students' Association (MMSA) has expressed concern over the current mental health situation in Malta.
"There has been a great deal of progress in this field over the past few years, with more awareness and services available to persons with mental health issues. However, in light of recent events, it is clear that the current system is failing those who need it most, and that a lot of work still needs to be done. Persons suffering from mental illness, including but not limited to vulnerable groups such as adolescents and those with chronic illness, require the community and health care services to be present holistically to provide optimal aid, care and support."
"Nationally, it is paramount that reassessment of current legislation and practices should be carried out to promote protection of Human Rights and prevent discrimination against people with mental illness. Mental Health legislation should ensure that people suffering from mental health illness are not stigmatised or isolated. Facilities such as Mount Carmel have also been the subject of controversy in recent years, with substandard facilities and lack of proper staff training contributing to the growing problem of inadequate Mental Health care," they said in a statement
Local statistics show that education on Mental Health issues is not properly addressed in primary, secondary and tertiary education, with many adolescents seeking information on their own through means such as the internet, which may not always be reliable, the statement read.
"This form of negligence is worrisome given the prevalence of high rates of mental illness in adolescents. In order to build a foundation for a proper Mental Health service in our country, work needs to be targeted to young age groups."
The MMSA has made a set of recommendations that can be implemented nationally to target the shortcomings of the Mental Health care system.
"It is imperative that attention is given both to the community level and to the level of our health care facilities. There is no use in providing a solid care system if stigma targeting persons with mental illness is rife within society."
Recommendations
Their first recommendation is to improve mental health services in Mount Carmel Hospital. "This may be achieved through the refurbishment of facilities to ensure the building is of adequate safety and comfort for all patients and staff. Moreover, staff training should be analysed to make sure it is up to date. Patients should be placed in a well-kept environment promoting physical and psychological recovery and assistance should always be offered to patients for their rehabilitation and integration into the community. This may also include aid in employment. Furthermore, on a long-term basis, there should be consideration to relocate the premises to Mater Dei grounds in order to create a more holistic and comfortable environment in which persons with mental illness are treated, eliminating the negativity associated with the current premises."
They also propose that mental health services be integrated with services provided by the General Hospital to function as a more singular entity as opposed to isolating mental health services.
They call for the creation of guidelines for standardised mental health education for educational institutions to follow. "It is paramount to educate students from primary to tertiary levels of education, especially when there is a suspicion of risk or vulnerability, as well as educate against stigmatisation of mental health from an early age."
They call for the provision of awareness of counselling in all levels of education. "These include educating students about such services and how to approach them without the fear of judgement as well as informing teachers and staff about signs of mental illness in students in order to aid them in seeking help."
They also ask for the introduction of the notion of "Mental Health Primary Care" which is making use of counselling and support groups prior to seeking psychiatrists and immediate medical help. "These systems should be promoted in a work place, ensuring that they are made available to all staff. Routine Mental Health check-ups may also be of benefit, especially in stressful workplaces."
They mention the need to encourage the community to facilitate the integration of Mental Health patients following their recovery. "This will aid to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. This can be achieved through the above recommendations aimed at the community in all aspects of society."