“There is no health without mental health,” said a slogan emblazoned on the T-shirts of a 100-strong crowd that walked from St Julian’s to Sliema yesterday.
Organised by the Richmond Foundation, which this year celebrates 20 years of service, the walk united people under one common goal: helping to raise awareness on the corresponding importance of mental and physical well-being.
The walk ended in Bisazza Street, Sliema, where tents were set up for hypertension and glucose testing as well as anti-smoking advice, sponsored by St James Hospital.
According to operations manager Holger Saliba, a quarter of the Maltese population suffers from mental health problems, the most common ailments being anxiety and depression.
“Physical and mental well-being are intrinsically linked. When people suffer from depression, they often also abandon their physical well-being by refusing to go out and leading a mostly sedentary life.”
He noted that information on mental illness was lacking and, despite the fact that people were generally more willing to accept when they needed a psychologist, the stigma persisted.
“For instance, people with cancer generally have no qualms about speaking up in public. However, people suffering from depression tend to keep back.”
Mr Saliba pointed out that use of improper language, such as referring to people with mental health problems as ‘crazy’, further nurtured such stigma.
The Richmond Foundation works hand in hand with public and private services. The NGO has its own resident psychologist and also makes use of the services of about 12 other professionals, depending on the demand.
It also offers rehabilitation and recovery residences, a supported housing scheme, a supported employment programme and a children’s programme.
There is also a support group for family and friends of people with mental health problems.
How difficult is it to live with and support a person with mental health problems?
“It depends on the person. If they are depressed but don’t know it or refuse to accept it, matters can get worse,” Mr Saliba explained.
“We have the idea that mental health problems are chronic. This is a misconception. Sometimes, it can be a phase which can be cured following treatment. Many people go through this phase at some point or other in their lives.
“The trick is to ask for help immediately. The earlier you start treatment, the better the chances of recovery.”
Philip Bonello, 63, joined the walk in support of the “stellar job” performed by the Richmond Foundation. “I was a teacher and I’ve encountered a lot of students who were in need of help. Unfortunately, some parents don’t accept that their child has a problem and requires help. By ignoring it, the problem is aggravated.”
Yanica Ellul, 21, believes that more awareness is required.
“I’d urge people to seek help, which is readily available. As to those who don’t suffer from mental health problems, I’d ask them not to discriminate. Everyone goes through it at one point or another.”