Seminar hears of growing problem of depression

More than half of Europeans suffering from depression or anxiety are not aware of the problem and therefore not receiving treatment, according to the director of policy and planning within the Health Ministry.

Speaking during a seminar to discuss the European Commission's Green Paper on mental health, Ray Xerri said 18 per cent of eight to 18-year-olds suffered from mental health problems.

The Green Paper, which is currently being discussed across Europe, highlights that by 2020 depression is expected to become the highest ranking cause of disease in the developed world.

Dr Xerri highlighted the economic burden of mental health, taking up between three and four per cent of Europe's gross domestic product. He pointed out that a study carried out in Sweden showed that the country's gross domestic product would increase by 17 per cent if mental health related sick-leave was eliminated.

With 58,000 European citizens taking their own life every year, suicide claims more lives than traffic accidents, homicide and Aids.

The Green Paper proposes that an EU strategy should focus on four aspects: promoting the mental health of all citizens; addressing mental health through preventive action; improving the quality of life of people with mental health or disability through social inclusion and the protection of their rights and dignity; and develop a mental health information, research and knowledge system for the EU.

While referring to the Green Paper as an important document which includes a number of helpful elements, psychiatrist Joseph Saliba said quality treatment should have been listed as one of the priorities.

Labour MP Joe Abela, a health worker, said there was no doubt that mental health problems were on the increase in Malta, leading to an increase in economic and social burdens on the country as well as sufferers.

"We need to really take the promotion of mental health seriously, and we need to address the problems faced by many families," Mr Abela said.

He said it would be a big mistake to think nothing could be done to improve it.

"We need to ask many questions. Why are many young people running after death instead of seeking life? What is leading an increasing number of young people to indulge in alcohol and experiment with drugs?"

Mr Abela also said the few services in existence were not meeting the needs of elderly people who wished to continue living in the community with their families, and was leading to more senior citizens becoming isolated in their homes or in hospital. Meanwhile, suicide rates among the elderly were on the increase. The Health Ministry's EU and International Affairs director Natasha Azzopardi Muscat spoke about consultation within the EU. She said all stakeholders were invited to submit their views on the Green Paper.

Health Minister Louis Deguara said the number of suicides in Europe was on the increase because of socio-economic problems. He mentioned the importance of promoting lifestyles that promote mental health and prevention programmes.