Too many mental health cases go unnoticed. Every lost life counts! Mental health in Malta is a topic which is gaining significant exposure. However, are we doing enough?

Professor Tedros Ghebreyesus at the forefront of the Covid-19 pandemic and also Director General of the World Health Organisation, actually speaks about the importance of investing in mental health on this day. Locally, our mental health strategy is in place. Unfortunately, this is not backed up by a national suicide prevention strategy which is a WHO requisite. The draft of this strategy is complete and has been presented to the authorities since 2015. 

During the present uncertain times, our mental health services have been further challenged with the unexpected closure of Mater Dei Psychiatric Outpatients and Psychiatric Unit Departments, when in reality such services are needed now more than ever. We need an efficient and effective mental health service at par with our physcial health services.

We need a 24/7 national crisis team which should be an evolution of the present crisis team (Crisis Resolution Malta) to provide free 24/7 services 365 days a year. The present multidisciplinary team, now in its tenth year, has managed to contain psychological crises, and even save lives. 

Like crisis teams, let us all be the tip of the arrow to spearhead mental health issues locally by taking care of ourselves and the vulnerable ones, both today, the 10th of October and beyond. 

Dr. Mark Xuereb is a crisis psychiatrist and has been leading the Crisis Teams since 2010. If anybody has been affected by this article, please reach out on Facebook (Crisis Resolution Malta) for free help or via our free 24/7 specialist crisis line: 9933 9966. Dr. Xuereb is also the founder of TMS Malta which provides the natural and safe alternative for the treatment of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD, amongst others.