suppliment
familja Ħajr
Ms Roseanne Camilleri Chief Executive Officer
National Mental Health Services
Dr Denis Vella Baldacchino Commissioner for the Promotion of Rights of Persons with Mental Disorders
Dr Daniel Corso Head of Operations
National Mental Health Services
Dott.ssa Gertrude Buttigieg
Higher Speech Language Practitioner Communications Officer Office of the Commissioner for Promotion of Rights of Persons with Mental Disorders
Mr Tony Micallef Health Liaison Practice Nurse Office of the Permanent Secretary Ministry for Health and the Elderly
The Practice Development Unit National Mental Health Services
Ms Maria Daniela Farrugia Occupational Therapist
Ms Celine Micallef Psychologist Assistant
Ms Claire Abela Psychologist Assistant
Mr Steven Cilia Executive Physiotherapy Practitioner
Mr Benjamin Gatt Senior Psychologist
Ms Rosanne Buhagiar Psychology Practitioner
Ms Tania Farrugia Senior Psychologist
Mr Glen Fero National Mental Health Services
Ms Alexia Vella Director General Strategy and Implementation Division
Ms Helena Holland
Director Pensions Strategy Directorate
Mr Grazio Barbara Director General Service Pensions
Proof Reading
Mr Peter Miceli Saydon
Graphic Art & Layout
Mr Archibald Attard
Magazine Distribution
Mr Tonio Bonello Media Editor & Corporate Communications Manager
M’hawn ħadd tajjeb f’kollox… iżda m’hawn ħadd li mhu tajjeb f’xejn!
Tonio Bonello Editur Media MSPC
Id-dipressjoni ġġorr magħha numru ta’ sintomi. Fost dawn, solitudni, m’għandek aptit tagħmel xejn, ma trid tara lil ħadd. Affarijiet soltu regolari bħal li tmur l-iskola jew għaxxogħol isiru s-salib li jkollok iġġorr kuljum, bilfors. Xejn ma jibda jogħġbok, lanqas l-aktar affarijiet li tant kont passjonat dwarhom. Ir-radju u t-televiżjoni flok gost u mistrieħ ikollok aptit tkissirhom, issabbathom ma’ ħajt biex jisktu, huma wkoll.
Aktar minn qatt qabel, illum għandna madwarna numru ta’ servizzi ta’ għajnuna fejn tista’ titkellem bl-aktar mod kunfidenzjali. Jekk ma tridx tmur, tista’ anke ċċempel. Takkumpanja lil dawn kontinwament għaddejja kampanja nazzjonali ta’ għarfien, ta’ għajnuna. Mhux għalik biss. Le, m’intix int l-uniku wieħed jew l-unika waħda li għaddejja minn dan kollu. Anzi, hawn ħafna. Jien wieħed minnhom! Għalhekk nista’ nitkellem.
Meta deċenji ilu, ta’ madwar 14-il sena kont ġejt ibbuljat fl-iskola, ma tantx dak iż-żmien kien hawn alternattivi. Jew tmur għand psikoloġista jew psikjatra.
It-tnejn għandhom sehem importanti f’ċirkostanzi tali. Hemm iżda ħaġa li gradwalment trid tesplora u tiskopri int u li din tinsab fik innifsek. L-abbiltà li tagħraf kapaċità li għandek u li b’enfasi fuq l-istess kapaċità u l-iżvilupp tagħha, tista’ tkun kapaċi tikkonfronta s-sitwazzjoni u tirbħilha. Jekk mhux rebħa sħiħa, imma anke nofs rebħa, jew kwart tar-rebħa, ukoll tagħmel id-differenza f’ħajtek.
Qabel xejn trid tibda mill-aktar prinċipju bażiku fil-ħajja li; “M’hawn ħadd tajjeb f’kollox, iżda m ’hawn ħadd li mhu tajjeb f’xejn.” Mela xi ħaġa tajba fik innifsek hemm żgur. Forsi però kien għad ma kellekx bżonn taħseb u taħdem biex tidentifikha fiż-żmien ta’ qabel.
Wara li saħħaħt il-kreattività bl-għarfien, bdejt naħdem u allura bdejt nimplimenta. Is-sigriet kien li hekk kif fl-istudju kont qed insegwi għadd ta’ korsijiet li qajla kienu jħalluli ħin niekol u norqod, aħseb u ara li naħseb jew nirrifletti, hekk fid-dinja tax-xogħol u fil-volontarjat użajt ilmassimu tal-ħin ta’ kuljum biex naħdem, nivvinta, noħloq aktar kunċetti oriġinali u kreattivi ta’ kull qies u ġeneru. Il-ħsieb irnexxa u rrealizzajt dan meta 5 snin ilu kelli nidħol nagħmel ġimagħtejn l-isptar għall-kura, primarjament minħabba għejja, sedentiżmu u nuqqas ta’ mistrieħ.
Imma dak li kelli jmexxini f’ħajti kien il-ħsieb li dejjem għedt bejni u bejn ruħi; “Irrid naħdem, nistinka u nutilizza kull minuta li għandi f’ħajti biex meta xi darba niġi li ma jkollhiex aktar kapaċità jew f’ċirkostanzi ta’ problemi assoċjati ma’ anzjanità, qatt jiġi f’moħħi l-ħsieb ikrah li ngħid, kelli xi ħin li f’ħajti m’użajtx tajjeb, li ħlejt.
Kien f’dan is-sens li b’sorpriża anke għalija nnifsi, fl-ewwel jum li dħalt l-isptar ħassejtni tant mistrieħ, ferħan u b’paċi f’qalbi, għax kont naf li bħal parabbola tat-talenti, għamilt l-aħjar użu possibbli biex dawn inħaddimhom u nkattarhom, mhux biss lejn ħajja aħjar għal marti u binti, iżda wkoll, bħala legat għal dak li jien b’ħidmieti se nkun qed inħalli warajja. Il-kotba li ktibt, l-eluf ta’ rapporti, artikli u intervisti fil-media kollha lokali. Il-programmi li pproduċejt għar-radju u t-televiżjoni, u Alla biss jaf x’aktar.
Ma kenitx rebħa assoluta. Id-dipressjoni għadha hemm iżda mhux bl-istess saħħa li kienet. U dak ir-raġġ dawl li kien daħal f’moħħi għall-ewwel darba wara dak li għaddejt minnu, illum ma baqax waħdu iżda saru numru ta’ raġġi li flimkien qed jerġgħu jagħtu l-kulur mill-ġdid lil moħħi, lil ħajti.
Inħeġġek tagħmel il-qalb u tipprova tiskopri x’hemm fik li hu tant sabiħ u li bih tista’ tibda tgħix ħajtek mill-ġdid. Ħajja ta’ paċi u kuntentizza int u dawk ta’ madwarek. Għamel kuraġġ. Għandek kemm għandek żmien, hi x’inhi s-sitwazzjoni, ġara x’ġara, qatt mhu tard. L-ewwel pass iżda (anke jekk forsi bl-għajnuna ta’ ħaddieħor) trid tagħmlu int!
Kuraġġ...
Kisba ewlenija kien l-iżvilupp u l-implimentazzjoni tal-Istrateġija tas-Saħħa Mentali għal Malta 2020-2030
Roseanne Camilleri
Kap Eżekuttiv tas-Servizzi Nazzjonali tas-Saħħa Mentali
Ritratt –Madison Inouye
Merħba għal din l-edizzjoni speċjali ddedikata għas-Servizzi Nazzjonali tas-Saħħa Mentali.
Bħala l-Kap Eżekuttiv, jien onorata li naqsam magħkom il-progress notevoli u l-inizjattivi li qed jiffurmaw il-futur tal-kura tas-saħħa mentali f'Malta.
Is-saħħa mentali hija komponent kritiku tal-benesseri ġenerali, u l-missjoni tagħna hija li nipprovdu kura komprensiva, aċċessibbli, u kompassjonata f’waqtha lil kull individwu li għandu bżonn l-għajnuna tagħna. Matul l-aħħar snin, għamilna passi kbar biex intejbu sservizzi u nespandu l-firxa tagħna, u nrawmu sistema ta' kura bbażata fuq il-komunità u orjentata lejn l-irkupru.
Waħda mill-kisbiet ewlenin tagħna kien l-iżvilupp u l-implimentazzjoni tal-Istrateġija tasSaħħa Mentali għal Malta 2020-2030. Din l-istrateġija tiddeskrivi l-impenn tagħna biex intejbu r-riżultati tas-saħħa, il-kwalità tal-ħajja, u l-inklużjoni soċjali għal individwi li jesperjenzaw sfidi ta’ saħħa mentali. Billi niffokaw fuq il-prevenzjoni, l-intervent bikri, u l-kura integrata, nimmiraw li noħolqu ambjent ta' appoġġ fejn kulħadd jista' jirnexxi.
Is-servizzi tas-saħħa mentali tal-komunità tagħna għandhom rwol vitali f'din il-viżjoni. Billi nipprovdu kura eqreb tad-dar, nippermettu lill-individwi jimmaniġġjaw is-saħħa mentali tagħhom f'ambjent familjari u ta' appoġġ. It-timijiet dedikati tagħna jaħdmu bla heda biex iwasslu pjanijiet ta' kura personalizzati, jappoġġjaw l-irkupru, u jippromwovu l-indipendenza.
Dan l-approċċ mhux biss itejjeb il-benesseri tal-pazjenti tagħna iżda wkoll inaqqas l-istigma assoċjata ma' kwistjonijiet tas-saħħa mentali.
Min jista’ jgħinnha ntejbu s-servizzi, jekk mhux dawk li jmissu mas-servizzi tagħna stess?
Dr Denis Vella Baldacchino
Kummissarju għad-Drittijiet ta’ Persuni bi Problemi ta’ Saħħa Mentali
Għaddew tlett snin diġà f’din il-kariga ta’ Kummissarju biex nipprotegi d-drittijiet ta’ persuni bi problemi ta’ saħħa mentali. Taru bħal berqa. Grazzi għal fiduċja li wrew fija l-Ministru tasSaħħa, il-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni u l-Prim Ministru li lkoll appruvaw in-nomina tiegħi.
Nistqarr li kienet sfida kbira! Ir-rwol tax-xogħol tiegħi huwa stipulat mil-liġi tas-Saħħa Mentali (Kapitlu 525). Imma naf li ħdimt oltre. Stinkajt biex inżid aktar l-għarfien tas-Saħħa Mentali u nimbottah ‘l fuq fl-aġenda nazzjonali. Kontx jien li xprunajt dan jew le huwa rrelevanti imma nafu li s-saħħa mentali issa għandha prijorità u dan mhux f’Malta biss, imma anki ‘l fuq flagenda tal-Għaqda Dinjija tas-Saħħa u l-Unjoni Ewropea.
Filwaqt li rridu niftakru aktar minn mitt sena ilu kif kienu jieħdu ħsieb dawn il-persuni – iżolati, possibilment marbuta anki bil-ktajjen mas-sodda u rridikulati, matul is-snin sar progress kbir f’dan il-kamp. Il-kura dak iż-żmien kienet għadha ħafna lura.
Fit tmintax ta’ Lulju 1861, fil-gazzetta Malta Times kien ġie rrapportat il-ftuħ ta’ sptar ġdid li wara ssemma Monte Karmeli. Dan kien sar b’ċertu pomposità. Għal dak iż-żmien kien ‘state of the art’ imma xorta kien maqtugħ għalih. Mitejn u ħamsin pazjent ġew trasferiti hemm mingħajr ebda inċident.
Illum inħarsu lejn dan l-isptar b’ċertu negattività u stigma. Forsi jbeżżal lin-nies ukoll flok jinkuraġġixxi n-nies isibu l-għajnuna hemmhekk. Din is-sitwazzjoni teżisti wkoll f’pajjiżi oħra, imma hawn ukoll sar ħafna progress.
Fl-Italja, ħamsin sena ilu l-isptarijiet tal-mard tal-moħħ ingħalqu ħlief għal ftit sodod għal pazjenti fi stat akut. Il-fokus intefa’ fuq kura fil-komunità u dan flimkien ma msieħba oħra - lAwtoritajiet tal-Housing, tal-Impiegi u tas-Servizzi Soċjali. Il-pazjenti reġgħu ngħataw dinjità li jixirqilhom. “Jien bniedem bħalek ukoll”. Kien qisu, bħal meta waqa’ l-Ħajt ta’ Berlin li kien jifred il-Ġermanja tal-Punent minn dik tal-Lvant.
Bħala Kummissarju, jien nilqa b’entużjażmu l-inizjattivi preżenti biex il-kura akuta tal-mard talmoħħ jibda jingħata fl-isptar ta’ Mater Dei. Nilqa’ wkoll il-ftuħ tal-Psychiatric Unit fl-isptar Mater Dei. Imma b’dispjaċir irridu nammettu li kien hemm dewmien immens biex b’kuraġġ u b’determinazzjoni nagħmlu dawn il-passi. Id-dewmien mhux għalija, imma għal dawk li kellhom bżonn l-għajnuna.
B’ferħ nilqa’ wkoll l-introduzzjoni ta’ mediċini ġodda fil-formularju tal-Gvern. Imma għalfejn ukoll wara tant dewmien ta’ snin? L-iskop mhuwiex li nippuntaw subagħjna. Is-settur tassaħħa mentali baqa’ lura għal tant żmien.
Ritratt – Nathan Cowley
Il-vot ġdid ta’ erba’ miljuni u nofs fil-baġit ta’ din is-sena ddedikat għas-saħħa mentali filkomunità huwa messaġġ ċar. Issa daqshekk! U dan mhux biżżejjed! Il-problemi relatati massaħħa mentali tant huma vasti u kumplessi. Biex nindirizzawhom irridu nbidlu l-mentalità li dan hu responsabbilità biss tal-Ministeru tas-Saħħa u l-Anzjanita Attiva.
Il-ministeri kollha, il-Kunsilli Lokali, id-diversi aġenziji, is-settur non governattiv, il-Knisja –dawn ukoll iridu jimxu bl-istess pass u bl-istess determinazzjoni u kollaborazzjoni biex jitjieb il-benessere tan-nies mill-konċepiment sal-mewt. Mill-kliem irridu nimxu għall-fatti. Dan hu pass diffiċli u ħadd ma jrid jaħrab mir-resposabbilità.
L-isforz tagħna irid ikun b’saħħtu wkoll fil-prevenzjoni. Diversi studji juru evidenza varja ta’ problemi ta’ saħħa mentali fi tfal żgħar, fl-adoloxxenti, fl-iskejjel, fuq il-postijiet tax-xogħol, flanzjani, fil-ħaddiema barranin li qed jaħdmu Malta.
Il-mard mentali ma jaffetwax biss lill-individwu waħdu. Miegħu jbatu wkoll il-familjari u l-ħbieb tagħhom. Il-komunità inġenerali, il-produttività fuq il-post tax-xogħol tbati u b’hekk kollettivament, saħansitra l-ekonomija tal-pajjiż.
Diffiċli biex tinkwadra dan kollu. Pereżempju, kemm sick leave hu relatat ma’ dawn ilproblemi? Kemm inċidenti fuq il-post tax-xogħol, possibilment fatali, huma relatati malproblemi ta’ saħħa mentali? Kemm suwiċidji setgħu ġew evitati li kieku individwi ħassewhom aktar komdi li jfittxu l-għajnuna qabel dawn il-mumenti traġiċi.
Matul seba’ snin, bejn 2015 u s-sena 2012, tlifna madwar 184 persuna u kollettivament tlifna ekonomikament medja ta’ għoxrin sena produttivà għal kull wieħed minn dawn il-persuni. Kemm familji ġew u qed jiġu affetwati negattivament? Min qiegħed jissapportajhom kif meħtieġ - psikoloġikament u soċjalment, matul is-snin ta’ wara dawn it-traġedji. U dan jgħodd ukoll għal dawk affetwati minn kwalunkwe fatalità fit-triq jew fuq il-post tax-xogħol. It trawma kbira wisq.
Fuq il-postijiet tax-xogħol, diversi studji juru livelli varji ta’ problemi relatati mas-saħħa mentali. Intrapriżi ta’ kull dimensjoni ħadu passi biex joffru sapport għall-impjegati tagħhom. Is-settur pubbliku, biex insemmu settur qawwi, nieda l-Employee Support Programme.
Jekk irridu nindirizzaw dawn il-problemi, irridu qabel xejn ngħinu lil min iħaddem biex jibda joffri dawn is-servizzi u biex jieħu passi neċessarji biex itejbu l-ambjenti fuq il-postijiet taxxogħol, kif ukoll l-operat. Il-ġenna ma nistgħux noħolquha f’din l-art, imma żgur b’għajnuna ġusta u b’direzzjoni ċentrali, min iħaddem jista’ jieħu wkoll passi konkreti.
Fis-settur tal-edukazzjoni, beda jingħata l-Mental Health Aid course f’kull skola fid-disa’ sena, kemm għall-istudenti, kif ukoll għall-edukaturi. Issa, wara l-proġett pilota, il-Ministeru talEdukazzjoni ħadu f’idejh.
Dan is-servizz ta’ edukazzjoni speċjalizzata jista’ jiġi estiż għat-tfal u adolloxenti fil-ward YPU fl -isptar Mount Carmel. Infurmat li fil-passat dawn it-tfal kienu jittieħdu fil-Learning Support
Centre tal-Ħamrun. M’għandhomx dritt dawn it-tfal ikollhom din l-opportunità milli jibqgħu magħluqa fil-YPU?
Fil-gżira ta’ Għawdex nistgħu naraw il-kunċett ta’ sptar tal-psikjatrija integrat fl-isptar Ġenerali.
Ukoll kuntent li f’Għawdex, qabel Malta, riċentament infetaħ ċentru ġdid biex jagħti għajnuna multidixxiplinarja lit-tfal. Hija binja temporanja imma għandha potenzjal qawwi.
Huwa pass ieħor pożittiv. Rajt ukoll karba għall-għajnuna fis-settur non-governattiv. Inħass ilbżonn ta’ aktar social workers.
Il-problemi fil-komunità u l-ambjent ukoll qed jaffetwaw il-benessere tan-nies. Għalhekk inkompli nħeġġeġ għal aktar passi pożittivi biex inkomplu ntejbu l-ambjent. L-inizjattivi ta’
Project Green huma pożittivi. Imma rridu wkoll naħdmu dwar kif se nibżgħu għal kampanja li għad fadal. Dan billi nirregolaw bini eċċessiv u l-inkonvenjenza assoċjata miegħu fosthom ittniġġiż bi storbju eċċessiv u bit-traffiku.
Il-Kunsilli Lokali jridu jieħdu passi akbar biex iniedu u jippromwovu żoni pedonali fil-bliet u lirħula tagħna. Irridu l-inċentivi biex kulħadd iżid l-attività fiżika. Għalhekk pereżempju flispirtu ta’ anzjanità attiva, irridu nżidu l-aċċess għal attivitajiet organizzati ta’ eżerċizzju fiżiku għall-anzjani.
Diversi għaqdiet non-governattivi qed jaħdmu b’impenn biex jgħinu lin-nies bi problemi ta’ saħħa mentali. Ir-rwol tagħhom hu kardinali. Imma jrid ikun hemm aktar sinerġiji, koordinament u sapport finanzjarju. Irridu ma narawx lil dawn bħala kompetituri imma bħala parti minn tim li l-għan aħħari tiegħu hu li jgħin lil dawn in-nies.
Fl-aħħar u mhux l-inqas, irridu nitgħallmu mill-esperjenzi ta’ kull min imiss mas-servizzi tagħna. Huwa pożittiv li bdejna ninvolvu persuni b’din l-esperjenza, imma għal darb’oħra, dan il-pass irid ikun aktar sod, robust u b’rimunerazzjoni. L-esperjenza tan-nies fid-diversi servizzi offruti għandha tkun kardinali u mingħajr xkiel jew biża’. Min jista’ jgħinnha ntejbu sservizzi, jekk mhux dawk li jmissu mas-servizzi tagħna stess?
Occupational Therapy as a Pathway to Holistic Wellbeing
Maria Daniela Farrugia Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a dynamic allied health profession that helps individuals of all ages and abilities to engage in meaningful activities that promote overall health and wellbeing. Occupational therapists play a key role in identifying barriers to participation in meaningful activities and designing tailored interventions to overcome these challenges. Whether addressing practical skills for daily living, coping strategies, or building social connections, the focus remains on the individual’s goals and aspirations.
By focusing on the "occupations", namely daily life activities that give our lives purpose, OT empowers individuals to participate in daily tasks such as work, self-care, leisure and rest, and social engagement. One way OT aligns with mental and physical health promotion is through the Five Ways to Wellbeing framework. This evidence-based model outlines five key actions that individuals can take to improve their overall wellbeing.
Here, we explore how occupational therapy integrates with each of the Five Ways to Wellbeing so that we can live healthier lives:
1. Connect – Building Strong Relationships
Social interaction is essential for mental health. Occupational therapists help individuals navigate and improve their social skills, whether it’s through supporting someone in maintaining family relationships, joining community activities, volunteering or fostering friendships. This is encouraged with the aim of improving the sense of belonging, enhancing social connection and reducing feelings of isolation.
By working in partnership with service users and acknowledging the individual’s perspective and integrating a network of support, OT helps individuals regain control and confidence in their daily lives.
2. Be Active – Engaging in Physical Activity
Physical activity is a powerful way to boost mental health and occupational therapists are skilled in promoting activities that promote physical activity this doesn’t just mean going to the gym; being active can include anything like walking, gardening, dancing or attending a yoga class.
3. Take Notice – Mindfulness and Being Present
Being mindful and aware of the present moment can significantly enhance one’s mental wellbeing. Occupational therapy encourages individuals to engage in sensory regulation strategies as well as activities that allow them to slow down and focus on sensory experiences, through sensory specific activities, creative and other hobbies, or simply enjoying nature.
Photo Van Krukau
4. Keep Learning – Continuous Growth and Development
Learning and personal development are important contributors to mental and emotional health. OT supports lifelong learning and skill-building, whether that’s mastering a new hobby, learning a work-related skill, or returning to school. Occupational therapists design interventions that encourage clients to learn new skills or adapt their existing skills to meet their evolving needs.
For example, OT helps individuals relearn skills after an injury or illness through tasks like work simulations. Learning new things such as practicing cooking skills for independent living or exploring technology for cognitive stimulation can help individuals stay mentally sharp, build confidence and experience personal satisfaction.
5. Give – Helping Others and Contributing to the Community
Contributing to others and feeling valued can enhance self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose. Volunteering, helping a colleague, or participating in local initiatives can provide a sense of meaning and connectedness.
Historical Review… of Mental Disease Management in Malta
Prof. Charles Savona-Ventura Professor & Head of Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology University of Malta
The institutional care of the mentally infirm in Malta was apparently a late concept that probably appeared after the establishment of the Valletta Sacra Infermeria. It is possible that cases of mental disease were during the late Medieval period simply transferred to asylums in Sicily. Those declared to be mente captus were placed under the care of appointed curators losing their legal rights.
After 1574, with the building of the Valletta Sacra Infermeria, provisions were made to receive and care for mentally infirm individuals. The manageable patients were kept in a room especially reserved for them where they were bound and chained to their beds.
Those considered as unmanageable and dangerous to themselves and others, were transferred to the basement ward, where they were restrained by pinioning, and by chaining their arms and at times even their legs to the walls of the chamber.
A 1786 description of the care of these poor victims describes how wretched patients were “served by the most unfeeling and inhuman persons eight or nine of them were highly entertained with a delirious dying patient”.
The inmates were kept chained to the walls in tiny rooms. When the patients were declared incurable or became too numerous, they were transferred to the Floriana Ospizio, where they were similarly confined and chained to the walls in small basement rooms.
In 1816, both male and female patients were transferred to the Casa di Carita` at Floriana. By 1835, it became evident that the Ospizio was not suitable for the care of the mentally infirm patients and proposals were put forward by the Commissioners of Charity for the establishment of a dedicated mental asylum.
A Mental Asylum was then established at Floriana in an old mansion known as Villa Franconi
After its conversion into an asylum, it remained to be known as "Ta' Frankuni", a term that has been retained in the Maltese vernacular to refer to mental hospitals.
The number of patients continued to increase, and, by 1848, the asylum had reached its full capacity. By 1851, recommendations were again being made by the Commissioners of
Physiotherapy and mental health
“Mens sana in corpore sano” (a healthy mind in a healthy body)
Steven Cilia Executive Physiotherapy Practitioner
The above is an old Roman quote which is as valid now as it was millennia ago. This truth is now backed up with many studies.
Exercise has long been recognized for its physical health benefits, but its impact on mental health is equally significant. Engaging in regular physical activity can lead to a range of positive mental health outcomes for the general population. That is why physiotherapy is becoming more and more integrated as part of the rehabilitation and prevention strategy in mental health in Malta. Here’s a detailed explanation of how exercise benefits mental health:
1.
Reduction of Stress and Anxiety
Exercise is a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones, which help to alleviate stress and promote a sense of well-being. Additionally, exercise can reduce levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Activities such as running, swimming and yoga are particularly effective in managing stress and anxiety.
2. Improvement in Mood
Regular exercise has been shown to improve mood and combat feelings of depression. This is partly due to the increase in endorphins, but also because exercise can increase the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play a key role in mood regulation. Even moderate exercise, such as walking or cycling, can have a significant impact on mood.
3. Enhanced Cognitive Function
Exercise benefits cognitive function by improving blood flow to the brain which can enhance memory, attention and overall brain function. Physical activity stimulates the growth of new brain cells and helps prevent age-related decline in cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that regular exercise can improve executive functions, such as planning, problem-solving and multitasking.
Engaging in regular physical activity can lead to better sleep quality, which is crucial for mental health. Exercise helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle and can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Improved sleep quality can, in turn, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, leading to better overall mental health.
5. Increased Self-Esteem and Confidence
Exercise can boost self-esteem and confidence by promoting a sense of accomplishment and improving body image. Achieving fitness goals, whether big or small, can enhance selfworth and provide a sense of purpose. Group activities and sports can also foster social connections, which are important for mental well-being.
6. Social Interaction
Participating in group exercises or team sports provides opportunities for social interaction, which can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Building social connections through exercise can provide emotional support and contribute to a sense of community, both of which are beneficial for mental health.
Conclusion
Incorporating regular exercise into your daily routines can have profound effect on mental health. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving mood, cognitive function, sleep quality, self-esteem and social interaction. The benefits of physical activity are extensive. Encouraging the general population to engage in regular exercise can lead to healthier, happier lives.
A physiotherapist can help you integrate an activity programme into your routine in the safest and most effective way possible. Mental health services are expanding physiotherapy support beyond Mount Carmel, helping clients reintegrate into their daily lives within their communities. (changed it to expanding as might be seen as Mount Carmel not providing enough support)
The Mental Well-Being of Children and Adolescents
The Practice Development Unit National Mental Health Services
Mental well-being is a cornerstone of children’s and adolescents’ overall development. It encompasses their emotional, psychological and social health, influencing how they think, feel, and behave. This stage of life is a period of rapid growth and change, making it crucial to prioritize and nurture their mental well-being. A strong foundation in mental health during childhood and adolescence paves the way for resilience, positive relationships and the ability to navigate life’s challenges effectively.
The Importance of Mental Well-Being in Young People
Mental well-being is more than just the absence of mental illness; it’s about equipping children and adolescents with the skills to handle stress, build confidence and develop healthy relationships.
Studies show that children with good mental well-being are better able to succeed academically, form positive friendships and make sound decisions. Conversely, poor mental well-being can lead to difficulties such as low self-esteem, behavioural difficulties, and struggles with academic performance.
In adolescence, the pressures of identity formation, social expectations and academic demands can increase the risk of mental health challenges. Without proper support, issues such as anxiety and depression can escalate and impact their ability to thrive. The mental well-being of children and adolescents is therefore a shared responsibility of families, schools and communities.
How to Foster Mental Well-Being in Children and Adolescents
Several strategies can be used to create and maintain a positive mental well-being in children and adolescents. Open communication with young persons is key, this will enable them to express their thoughts and emotions openly. Adapting this approach will also make it more likely for the young persons to share their concerns and seek help when needed. Introducing healthy coping mechanisms like mindfulness, problem solving and stress management, will empower young persons to face any challenges constructively. This will also help them build resilience and develop a positive outlook. Furthermore, encouraging physical activity and play is key in reducing stress, and improving the mood, whilst also fostering creativity and relaxation.
Promoting the development of health relationships with family, and friends is critical for mental well-being. A strong support network gives young people a sense of belonging and emotional security. The excessive use of social media and screen use can cause a decline in mental well-being by increasing feelings of isolation, anxiety or inadequacy. Thus, setting healthy boundaries ensures a balanced lifestyle and reduces negative impacts.
Parent, teachers and caregivers should be aware of warning signs of mental decline, such as changes in behaviour, withdrawal or sudden academic difficulties. Early intervention is key, and thus if any warning signs are noticed they should be addressed promptly with compassion and support.
Mental Well-Being Services for Young People in Malta
In Malta, various services are available to support the mental well-being of children and adolescents:
1. Child & Adolescent In-Patient Services (Young People’s Unit): Provides intensive, shortterm psychiatric care for children and adolescents (12 - 18 years old) who are experiencing severe mental health conditions that cannot be safely or effectively managed in an outpatient setting.
2. Child & Adolescent Emergency Services (CAPES): These services aim to provide immediate interventions to young persons who are experiencing a mental health crisis.
3. Crisis Intervention & Home Treatment (CIHT): To provide short-term individualised sessions to young people experiencing a mental health crisis or an acute mental health decline in the community.
Child and Young People’s Services (CYPS): provides out-patient mental health services to young person ’s experiencing mental health difficulties.
Conclusion
Prioritizing the mental well-being of children and adolescents is vital for their present and future success. By promoting a nurturing environment, teaching resilience and encouraging positive habits, we can empower young people to thrive emotionally and socially. With the combined efforts of families, schools and mental health services, we can create a society that values and supports the mental well-being of its youngest members, helping them reach their full potential.
Photo Cottonbro
“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” C.G. Jung
Benjamin Gatt & Tania Farrugia Senior Psychologists
Rosanne Buhagiar Psychology Practitioner
Do you ever take the time to reflect on what you really want in life? Do you ever reflect on where you are going in life? What values do you hold? What is your guiding light? What fuels your dreams?
As mental health professionals, we think it is important to acknowledge that as a society we are experiencing unparalleled levels of mental health issues. In a world promoting hyperconsumerism, excessive use of social media and glorification of luxury and comfort we have forgotten all that is meaningful and nourishing. But at what cost? Time has become a luxury we cannot afford; time with our families, time to rest, time for spiritual growth, time to selfnourish.
So what can we do to make our mental health a priority?
Results from an 80-year longitudinal study by Harvard Medical School showed that it is NOT money or fame that keep people happy, but it is indeed the close relationships people manage to develop and maintain with friends, family, and community.
Spend time with those who matter to you. This might entail curbing your long working hours and possibly losing money. It doesn’t matter – do it anyway! Are all ‘necessities’, ‘ necessary’ or have we created a culture of artificial ‘needs’?
Loneliness kills. It is as powerful as smoking and alcoholism’, asserts Robert Waldinger, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
Cherish and maintain your friendship and community ties – our community ties and our relationship skills have been jeopardized. Our service users often report that it has become very hard to form new friendships as well as to maintain older ones. So, if you have meaningful connections with friends and community members, nourish them, find time for them, reach out for them. Parents and educators, please help us teach children how to be in teams. Promote a mentality of sharing together and supporting each other as opposed to that of a frenzied competition against each other to obtain the best grades, the best clothes, the best looks
Engage in a generally healthy lifestyle:
Avoid misuse of substances- In our clinics, we are experiencing an unprecedented phenomenon of widespread substance misuse. Of greater concern is the new developing trend of using drugs daily. This is impacting upon job productivity, relationship quality and increasing the possibility of risky behaviours such as reckless driving.
Eat well and exercise: a balanced diet and physical exercise have positive effects on our
Finally, may we humbly appeal to policy makers to collaborate in prioritizing our mental health.
As we reach the end of this article, we hope that these few tips; which are by no means an exhaustive list, have inspired you somewhat to make mental health also your priority. May we also collectively collaborate to ensure that mental health remains a priority for the communities we live in.
Photo -Tima Miroshnichenko
Ħames modi biex tnaqqas l-istress fuq ilpost tax-xogħol
1. Ippjana Pawżi
Regolari: Ħinijiet qosra ta’ rilassament jistgħu jgħinu biex tiċċarġjaa lenerġija tiegħek.
2. Agħmel Eżerċizzju
Fiżiku: Attività fiżika regolari tista’ tnaqqas illivelli ta’ kortisol (l-ormon tal-istress) fil-ġisem.
3. Itlob Għajnuna Meta Meħtieġ: Tkellem ma’ kollega jew ħabib dwar l-isfidi tiegħek biex tnaqqas il-piż emozzjonali.
4. Organizza l-Ħidma Tiegħek: Uża metodi ta’ ppjanar biex tnaqqas is-sens ta’ għaġġla jew tfixkil.
Ipprattika Mindfulness: Il-meditazzjoni jew it-tekniki tar-rilassament jgħinu biex tikkalma lmoħħ u tikkonċentra aħjar.
L-Importanza tal-Prevenzjoni
Saħħa mentali b’saħħitha fuq il-post tax-xogħol mhijiex biss kwistjoni personali imma wkoll strateġija essenzjali għall-organizzazzjonijiet. Riċerka tindika li organizzazzjonijiet li jippromwovu u jappoġġjaw is-saħħa mentali tal-ħaddiema, mhux biss ikollhom forza taxxogħol aktar kuntenta, iżda jaraw ukoll tnaqqis sinifikanti fl-assenteiżmu u żieda filprestazzjoni ġenerali.
Investimenti fi programmi ta’ benesseri fuq il-post tax-xogħol iwasslu għal ambjent aktar produttiv u sostenibbli li jikkontribwixxi għall-kisba ta’ riżultati pożittivi fit-tul.
Fuq kollox, nieħdu ħsieb is-saħħa mentali tagħna jfisser li noħolqu kultura ta’ empatija u appoġġ fejn kulħadd iħossu stmat u kapaċi jagħti l-aħjar tiegħu. Il-kisba ta’ bilanċ tajjeb bejn ix-xogħol u l-ħajja personali hija l-pass ewlieni biex nibqgħu b’saħħitna, kemm mentalment kif ukoll fiżikament.
Photo Cottonbro
Attività fiżika regolari. attività fiżika għandha effett pożittiv kemm fuq is fiżika kif ukoll fuq dik mentali.
L-eżerċizzju jgħin biex jitnaqqsu l-livelli ta ansjetà u jtejjeb il-burdata. Mixjiet regolari, yoga, jew anki żfin jistgħu jkunu attivitajiet adattati għall anzjani.
Appoġġ emozzjonali u terapija
Huwa essenzjali li l-anzjani jkollhom opportunitajiet biex jesprimu t-tħassib tagħhom. Gruppi ta’ appoġġ, sessjonijiet ta’ terapija, jew anki konversazzjonijiet informali ma’ nies li jafdaw jistgħu jagħmlu differenza kbira.
Hobbies u attivitajiet ta’ divertiment. Il-parteċipazzjoni f’attivitajiet li jġibu sodisfazzjon personali għandha rwol importanti fil-promozzjoni tal-benessri mentali. Eżempji jinkludu arti, għawm, mużika, jew ġardinaġġ. Dawn l-attivitajiet jgħinu biex tonqos il-pressjoni u jiġu stimulati emozzjonijiet pożittivi.
Ġestjoni tajba tal-mediċini. Huwa komuni għal anzjani li jkollhom diversi mediċini li jittieħdu fl-istess ħin. Jekk dawn ma jiġux ġestiti b’mod korrett, jistgħu jaffettwaw b’mod negattiv issaħħa mentali. Konsultazzjonijiet regolari mat-tobba huma kruċjali biex ikun żgurat li lmediċini qed jittieħdu b’mod regolari u korrett.
Konklużjoni
L-investiment fis-saħħa mentali tal-anzjani huwa fundamentali, mhux biss għalihom personalment, iżda wkoll għas-soċjetà kollha kemm hi. Pajjiż żgħir bħal Malta għandu opportunità unika biex joħloq soċjetà li tikkultiva l-kuntatt bejn il-ġenerazzjonijiet u li toffri appoġġ lill-anzjani permezz ta’ servizzi komprensivi. Billi nsaħħu l-komunità u naddottaw ħsieb proattiv, nistgħu verament inbiddlu l-ħajja ta’ ħafna anzjani u ngħinuhom igawdu ħajja attiva, b’saħħitha u mimlija sodisfazzjon.
Ritratt - Tracy Le Blanc
Cyberbullying u Żieda fl-Anzjetà. L-użu tal-midja ġab ukoll żieda fin-numru ta’ każijiet ta’ bullying diġitali, li jista’ jħalli effetti devastanti fuq l-emozzjonijiet u saħħa mentali tal-vittmi.
Ħin Żejjed fuq l-Iskrin u Għejja Mentali. L-użu eċċessiv tal-midja jista’ jikkawża għejja mentali, problemi ta’ rqad u nuqqas ta’ interazzjoni soċjali reali, li kollha jikkontribwixxu għal tnaqqis fil-benesseri mentali.
Kontenut Negattiv, jew Fake News. Il-preżenza ta’ kontenut negattiv, bħall-aħbarijiet xokkanti jew informazzjoni falza, tista’ tikkawża ansjetà u stress f’udjenzi vulnerabbli.
Metodi biex insostnu Saħħa Mentali b’Użu tajjeb tal-Midja
Stabbilixxi Limiti fuq Ħin fuq l-Iskrin. It-tqegħid ta’ limiti fuq kemm inqattgħu ħin fuq il-midja jista’ jgħin biex inaqqas l-effetti negattivi fuq is-saħħa mentali.
Segwi Kontenut Pożittiv u Ispiranti. Huwa importanti li niffokaw fuq paġni u kontenut li jippromwovu l-pożittività u jgħinu biex niffurmaw perspettiva aktar b’saħħitha fuq il-ħajja.
Tkellem dwar il-Problemi. Jekk il-midja qed tikkawża ansjetà jew stress, huwa tajjeb li wieħed jitkellem ma’ ħabib, familjari, jew anke professjonist dwar kif iħossu.
“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t!”
John Green
Photo - Pixabay
Fittex Programmi Edukattivi. L-użu tal-midja għal tagħlim u żvilupp personali jista’ jkun mod tajjeb biex l-influwenza tagħha ssir aktar kostruttiva.
Għarfien lill-Komunità. Edukazzjoni dwar l-effetti negattivi tal-midja għandha tkun parti minn inizjattivi edukattivi, speċjalment fost iż-żgħażagħ.
Il-Midja u l-Istigma dwar il-Mard Mentali
Il-mod kif il-midja tirrapporta u tippreżenta l-mard mentali jista’ jkollu impatt sinifikanti fuq kif is-soċjetà tifhem u tittratta din il-kwistjoni. Spiss, films, serje, u anke rapporti tal-aħbarijiet jippreżentaw lill-persuni b’mard mentali b’mod stereotipat, fejn jiġu assoċjati ma’ vjolenza, periklu, jew mġiba mhux normali. Dawn ir-rappreżentazzjonijiet mhux realistiċi jsaħħu stigma u biża’ li twassal biex individwi li qed ibatu minn problemi mentali jaħbu l-kundizzjonijiet tagħhom, minflok ifittxu l-għajnuna.
Barra minn hekk, il-midja soċjali tista’ tkun pjattaforma fejn il-mard mentali jiġi trivjalizzat, bħalma naraw fl-użu ħażin ta’ termini bħal "depressjoni" jew "ansjetà" biex jiġu deskritti emozzjonijiet ta’ kuljum. Dawn il-preżentazzjonijiet jgħattu r-realtà tal-mard mentali serju, u jżidu l-preġudizzju kontra dawk li jesperjenzaw dawn id-diffikultajiet.
Huwa essenzjali li l-midja tirrappreżenta b’mod preċiż u empatetiku l-mard mentali biex tgħin fil-qerda tal-istigma u l-promozzjoni tal-għarfien.
Konklużjoni
Filwaqt li l-midja hija għodda b’saħħitha li tgħaqqad lin-nies u tipprovdi informazzjoni, hija wkoll qasam li għandu jiġi mmaniġġjat b’kawtela biex jiġi evitat ħsara lis-saħħa mentali. Billi nieħdu deċiżjonijiet infurmati, nippromwovu kontenut pożittiv u nfittxu għajnuna meta meħtieġ, nistgħu nutilizzaw il-midja b’mod li ttejjeb il-benessri tagħna aktar milli tagħmillu ħsara.
Helpline 1579
Servizz Nazzjonali li joffri għajnuna lill-Komunità
Celine Micallef & Claire Abela
Psychologist Assistants
Fid-dinja tal-lum, fejn ħafna drabi nsibu ruħna megħlubin minn problemi soċjali, emozzjonali, jew prattiċi, is-servizzi ta’ għajnuna huma kruċjali biex jgħinu lil kull min jinsab fil-bżonn. F’Malta, il-Helpline Nazzjonali 1579 ġie stabbilit bħala servizz essenzjali għallkomunità li jgħin lin-nies jiksbu l-appoġġ meħtieġ b’mod sigur, konvenjenti u b’rispett sħiħ lejn il-kunfidenzjalità.
X’inhu l-Helpline 1579? 1579 huwa numru għal dawk li għandhom bżonn għajnuna immedjata iżda wkoll għal min qed ifittex parir, gwida, informazzjoni jew support emozzjonali. Dan is-servizz huwa mmexxi minn professjonisti mħarrġa li jisimgħu u joffru appoġġ lil kull min iċempel, irrispettivament minn x’tip ta’ diffikultà jkun qed jiffaċċja.
Il-linja hija miftuħa 24 siegħa kuljum, sebat ijiem fil-ġimgħa u hija disponibbli għall-pubbliku kollu. Il-professjonisti huma mħarrġa biex jindirizzaw diversi tipi ta’ kwistjonijiet, bħal problemi relatati mas-saħħa mentali, vjolenza domestika, saħansitra kwistjonijiet ta’ solitudni jew ansjetà.
L-Għanijiet ewlenin tal-Helpline
Helpline 1579 għandu għan ċar: li jkun appoġġ immedjat għal kull min iħossu mitluf jew vulnerabbli. Permezz ta’ din il-linja, il-Gvern Malti qed jimmira biex jagħmel is-servizzi soċjali aktar aċċessibbli u effettivi.
Xi għanijiet ewlenin jinkludu għajnuna f’ħin ta’ bżonn, kunfidenzjalità assoluta, gwida u prevenzjoni ta’ kriżijiet huma l-pilastri ewlenin tal-Helpline 1579. Is-servizz jagħmel ħiltu biex jagħti soluzzjonijiet jew jgħaqqad lil min iċempel ma’ organizzazzjonijiet li jistgħu joffru aktar għajnuna, filwaqt li kull telefonata hija trattata b’serjetà u diskrezzjoni.
Għal dawk li ma jafux minn fejn jibdew biex isolvu l-problemi tagħhom, il-persunal joffri pariri ċari u prattiċi. Barra minn hekk, billi jipprovdi appoġġ immedjat, il-1579 jgħin ukoll biex jipprevjeni li sitwazzjonijiet diffiċli jsiru aktar serji jew impossibbli biex jiġu solvuti.
Għal min hu dan is-servizz?
Il-Helpline 1579 huwa miftuħ għal kull min hu residenti Malta jew Għawdex u huwa disponibbli biex joffri għajnuna lil kull min għandu bżonn. Tista’ tikkuntattja lil din il-linja jekk qed tħossok overwhelmed bil-problemi personali jew familjari, għandek bżonn parir dwar kif tittratta xi sitwazzjoni delikata, jew qed tbati minn stress jew ansjetà li ma tafx kif tikkontrolla.
Barra minn hekk, is-servizz huwa wkoll għajnuna għal dawk li jeħtieġu appoġġ finanzjarju jew soċjali, kif ukoll għal min huwa vittma ta’ abbuż jew vjolenza domestika u għandu bżonn ħarba jew protezzjoni immedjata.
Konklużjoni
Helpline 1579 hija linja ta’ għajnuna li tiffoka fuq il-bżonnijiet tal-komunità Maltija b’mod inklussiv u effettiv. Jekk qatt issib ruħek fi kriżi jew ma tafx fejn iddur, tistenniex. Ċempel 1579 u ħalli lil min hu mħarreġ jgħinek issib it-triq ‘il quddiem. Ftakar li m’intix waħdek. Hemm min lest jisimgħek, jgħinek u jurik triq ‘il quddiem b’mod rispettabbli u kunfidenzjali. Il-pass li tieħu llum jista’ jkun il-bidu ta’ soluzzjoni għal problema li ilha fuq moħħok għal żmien twil. Għamel kuraġġ u ċempel – għax ħajtek u l-benesseri tiegħek jixirqilhom l-aqwa appoġġ.