"AD is in agreement with the Malta Psychiatric Association which recently commented on current deficiencies in mental health services. AD emphasises that mental health needs to urgently be taken more seriously holistically," said Anna Azzopardi, spokesperson on social dialogue and policy.
"A good quality of life is essential for one's mental health. Hence, the Maltese government should inject more effort and resources in addressing the root causes of mental illnesses. Poverty is not a perception. It is a reality. In the rush for economic success, poverty and homelessness may sometimes be forgotten. Their causes, such as the current increase in housing and rent prices, have yet to be tackled."
"The exponential increase in construction is resulting in an ever increasing lack of green and open spaces. These open spaces are crucial for positive mental health: they offer at times the only direct contact with nature. Unfortunately, those most affected by the increasing cost of living and lack of open spaces tend to be those closest to the poverty line. Their need to work longer hours to make ends meet, decreases their leisure time and increases stress. People on the poverty line tend to be more at risk of developing mental health problems."
"On the other hand, the serious lack in holistic mental health services cannot be ignored. It is important that all professionals working in the sector are properly trained, supported and remunerated. An underfunded system means that a lot of vulnerable people are falling through the cracks with serious consequences on their life."
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2xtOy9P
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