Your leader Mental illness (TMID, 24 November) was very enlightening.

It illuminated a fact that is very clear to see. Whether we admit it or not, there is still a stigma surrounding people who suffer from mental illness.

What I cannot understand is: what exactly is “mental illness”? Would a depression after one loses a loved one and grieves to the extent that one has a crying session at random entitle her to be called mentally ill?

Would somebody who is depressed at seeing her way ward son abusing drugs be called “mentally ill”? Why do we speak of mental illness yet cannot actually define it? Would a raped child going through heart-breaking emotions of what she went through be considered mentally ill when she goes through phases of re-living each terrible moment of her trauma?

Would a morose and depressed youngster be considered mentally unstable if he succumbs to horrible mood swings upon learning he has diabetes?

Would a woman who has just learnt her husband was having a fling with her best friend be considered mentally ill if her doctor put her on “valium”?

I once met a psychiatrist who remarked that it is people who do not react after going through a trauma who are mostly unstable. If anti-depressants equal people suffering from mental illness, then believe you me Malta is bombarded with people who have mental illness health problems!

Valerie Borg

Valletta