Laura Schembri

Is there enough mental health awareness at University?

Over the years, mental health awareness at University has improved, but this is not enough. People still use labels or make assumptions about people’s mental wellbeing without taking into account the impact of such statements. Laura Schembri, BA in English and Communications, 2nd year.

Even though light is being shed on this subject lately, I believe the University is still living in the shadow of the overwhelming psychological stigma dominating our country. Efforts are being made to create more mental health awareness among University students, especially about more widely known illnesses such as depression. But disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, among others, are yet to be given suitable attention. Kurt Abela, B.Psychology, 1st year.

I wouldn’t say there is enough, but the current psychology student organisations have recently been organising a number of activities to raise mental health awareness on campus and they manage to attract a number of students. Andrea Said, MA English, Culture and Media.

Kurt Abela

Should lecturers be trained to understand students with mental health disorders?

Yes, lecturers definitely should be trained to understand mental disorders. It would help immensely with awareness and improve empathy surrounding sufferers of mental disorders. Laura Schembri

Definitely. To some extent it should be included at all workplaces. Educators are on the front line of students’ lives and impact their ability to learn effectively. Sometimes understanding students and reaching out to them can make all the difference. Andrea Said

Training lecturers to understand students with mental health difficulties is of vital importance. Lecturers must understand those living with a disorder, and possess the skills needesd to interact with them ap­propriately so as not to cause them psychological harm. Kurt Abela

Andrea Said

Do you know anyone with a mental health issue? How has it impacted your relationship?

Yes, I know friends and family members with mental health issues. Being open about their struggles enabled our relationships to strengthen. I was able to understand the person better. Laura Schembri

Personally, I do not know anyone diagnosed with a mental health issue.

If anyone suspects that someone is suffering from a psychological problem, it is important that they contact professional help and not interfere themselves, as even the best intentions might have negative outcomes.

Sedqa, Appoġġ, and Kellimni .com can all be made use of in such cases. Kurt Abela

No. Andrea Said

(Compiled by Insite – the student media organisation)