A staggering 50 million people in the European Union are experiencing mental health problems, but only one-fourth of them have actually sought help.

In Malta, last year there were 2,066 in-patients at Mount Carmel Hospital, with another 1,352 new psychiatric out-patient cases at Mater Dei Hospital. There were 301 admissions at the Psychiatric Unit at Mater Dei, of which 202 were new cases.

It is estimated that one in four people, at one point or another in their life, experience mental health problems. Some continue to feel the effects and do not recover completely. But whereas physical conditions and illnesses are accepted by society as being part of life, the stigma that surrounds mental health problems keeps people away from seeking the necessary help.

Being seen entering the psychiatric unit at Mater Dei or Mount Carmel hospitals is still something that stops people from going for assistance, hence taking a risk that could actually lead to the worsening of their condition. In some cases, it does.

Society must change the way it perceives these people. It must learn to accept that these are people who need encouragement and support, rather than disdain. It must understand that it must contribute to make the lives of these people better, rather than inflict upon them further pain and distress.

First of all, there is a wide range of mental conditions, and most can be treated with little or no lasting effect on the patient. Secondly, the public needs to realise that many myths surrounding mental patients are untrue and based on a lack of information on the subject.

Calling these people “crazy” or “mad” will not help. Instead, these people should be shown respect and support, as it is only by feeling wanted, loved and appreciated that they have a better chance of overcoming the obstacles of their condition.

The problem is that people look down on those who suffer from mental conditions and keep their distance from them because they are somehow scared. But the more people understand the issues surrounding mental health, the less they will be afraid of them – simply because there is nothing to be afraid of.

Mount Carmel Hospital is like any other hospital. It is a misconception that the people who enter there for treatment never come out. Most of them do. And the relatives of mentally ill people must be the first to understand this – going to visit relatives at Mount Carmel during the night to avoid meeting acquaintances gives a very negative image and adds to the patient's stress.

The setting up of community centres has gone a long way to help people with mental problems. They work on two levels – primary and secondary care. People suffering from conditions which could lead to worse situations fall under primary care. Situations include exam stress, bereavement or marital separation. Primary care gives the necessary support and ability to develop skills which help them cope when they are exposed to stressful phases.

In secondary care, people with more serious mental health profiles are catered for. Psychiatrists and a team of multi-disciplinary professionals manage their care plan. Despite the seriousness of their condition, some patients would still be able to live in the community but would need more monitoring.

However, for these services to succeed completely there must be a change of mentality within society at large. If society continues to treat mentally-ill people badly and without the necessary care, then it will be extremely hard for them to feel integrated.

We can all do our bit.