Free access to sports facilities, machines that identify illicit substances at hospitals and mental check-ups for all students are among a set of proposals that the Malta Youth Council believes would improve mental health in Malta.
According to the council’s policy paper, there has been substantial development in the mental health sector, however, there was still space for improvement when it comes to the standards of care of the mental health hospital.
The best approach would be to bring mental health services at par with those given to people who live with physical illnesses, the Kunsill Nazzjonali Żgħażagħ says in its paper.
Called ‘A holistic approach towards mental health and youth’, it urges for more inclusion and integration of people living with mental health illness.
It was penned following consultation with some 800 youths with different backgrounds, and was presented to President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Health Minister Chris Fearne among others.
It its paper, KNŻ flagged the need for physical education in fighting mental health illnesses. It suggested granting free access to sports facilities or providing a discount for such services to people who live with mental illnesses.
Bring services at par with those given for physical illnesses
Apart from its therapeutic side, this would allow the development of better coping mechanisms instead of recurring to other non-recommended substances like alcohol or drugs.
Meanwhile, security at the new mental health hospital, which is planned to be situated adjacent to Mater Dei, needs to be prioritised inside the wards and also outside upon entrance. This could be done through machines that detect tobacco, illicit substances and any other material that could be of danger to patients.
Referring to innovative approaches at schools, the paper meanwhile suggests check-ups at every institution. This check-up would include a fixed allocated time for every student, and if the counsellor notices the need for follow-ups, appointments could be set up.
“The effect of this initiative will be twofold, since it would normalise and destigmatise counselling, while serious problems can be caught earlier.
“Students would still have a chance to opt out if they feel uncomfortable, however the majority would attend.”
The council expressed concern that little importance was given to educating on the importance of well-being, including mental health, at educational institutions.
It was worrying that 49 per cent of respondents who took part in a questionnaire in the build-up to the paper, were never taught mental health at school.
Another “grave concern” was the inability to promote an appropriate transition between the Young People’s Unit and the adult services.
It was highly recommended that gradual and effective processes were put in place between the ages of 18 and 21 to ease the transition process from child and adolescent psychiatry to adult psychiatric services, according to the paper.