"Don't be afraid to seek help," said Mark Azzopardi, a man who currently resides in one of the Richmond Foundation's, talking to The Malta Independent on Sunday.
The Richmond Foundation supports people experiencing mental health problems and those around them. Apart from offering therapeutic care, it helps equip patients with the skills required to live and work independently. Their tailored support services range from support groups and assisted living solutions to educational programmes and counselling services. The Foundation recently launched a campaign with the slogan: 'Let's find your way forward' to raise awareness about mental health on the occasion of their 25th anniversary. Mark Azzopardi had come forward to be one of the people at the forefront of this campaign.
Mark, who is 38 years old, had suffered from depression and later developed schizophrenia. "I received care and, with God's help, I got through it," he said. He had sought support and care many years ago.
Mark recalled how he realised that he had depression when he was 19. "I used to work in a café, and the owner's son arranged for me to see a councillor. And that is when I discovered that I had depression. I am much better today."
Initially, he was afraid about facing his issues, but he grew stronger over time, as he received the necessary care. "I used to be very afraid, and sought help from a psychiatrist. I went to Mt Carmel, and I came out better."
Mark said it was a social worker who eventually referred him to Villa Chelsea in Birkirkara back in 2001, where he followed a rehabilitation programme.
At Villa Chelsea, the Richmond Foundation provides a residential and day community-based programme and respite care for people with mental health problems. The Foundation currently runs a one-year rehabilitation programme, based on therapeutic community principles, aimed at people over the age of 18 who are diagnosed with a mental illness. The aim of the programme is to provide a therapeutic and supportive environment to those who use the service and to enable them to deal with past and present challenges, whilst maximising present positive experiences.
Asked about the stigma surrounding mental health issues, Mark said that he has experienced it personally. "There are people who insult you, but I didn't pay attention to them."
The stigma he faced was mainly from people he didn't know. "There's a lot of misunderstanding and miscommunication", he said. "One in every four people will suffer from mental health issues in their lifetime - anyone can be affected."
Mark believes that the reason for the stigma is a lack of awareness and said that people needed to be taught about such issues. "Instead of physical problems, we have problems with our minds." He made the point that when someone has a physical problem or illness, they are treated with sympathy, but if it is a mental health problem, they are pushed aside. "Education is the key. Teach people, teach children in schools, about mental health issues."
This is not to say that things have not changed, said Mark. The situation has improved over the years, he said, adding that when he goes out the stigma is not as bad as it used to be. "But some people are afraid of you and that makes me feel sad.
"We are normal people suffering from mental health problems and there is no reason to be afraid."
He spoke of the importance of having a strong support system and said that the people he now lives with, in one of Richmond Foundation's hostels, are like family.
The Richmond Foundation runs a hostel programme as a joint venture with Mount Carmel Hospital. It provides long-term, shared accommodation with 24-hour support to people with mental health problems who previously lived in the psychiatric hospital. The men and women living in the three hostels receive 24/7 support to maintain a good level of independence and minimise the need for psychiatric admissions. Through comprehensive assessment and continued care planning, residents are encouraged to work on their abilities, maximise their strengths and maintain an active social life.
While there are people with certain mental health problems who are afraid of asking for help, Mark says: "Don't be afraid. The care today is very good. Seek help." The first step, he adds, is to accept that there is a problem.
Why Richmond needs to combat stigma?
In comments to this newsroom, The Richmond Foundation said: "Unfortunately, in Malta there is still a stigma in the mental health sector and this fosters discrimination against people who are experiencing a mental health problem. In view of this, Richmond Foundation is continuously working to create more awareness of the importance of people taking care of their own mental health.
"Early intervention is crucial when it comes to mental health and, unfortunately, if there is stigma connected with this sector, it can reduce the likelihood of someone seeking help which, in turn, can result in deterioration in the degree of the illness, the person and also access to other services."
The Foundation said that the Malta Health Literacy Survey in 2017 identified that 45 per cent of the Maltese population did not know where to go for information regarding mental illness, whilst the World Health Organisation (WHO) identified that one out of four people will, at some point in time, experience a mental health issue.
"Richmond Foundation has recently adopted a new brand image and launched a national campaign regarding mental health awareness to promote its new brand image. This new image is fresh and modern, with the main aim of attracting young people to seek help or information with regard to mental health issues. In addition, the main message that Richmond Foundation needs to get across to the general public is that mental health is as important as physical health and there should be no shame or discrimination in respect of anyone who has a mental health issue.
"The national campaign will last for four weeks, but following this we will ensure that the Foundation maintains a strong marketing position with the general public. The main tag line that is being used is: 'Let's find your way forward'. Richmond Foundation is here to help not only the individual who has a mental health issue but also that individual's friends and family, without any judgment or fear of being misunderstood.
"In addition, Richmond has launched a freephone 1770, which anyone can call and talk to one of the Foundation's staff regarding any queries or issues they might have and receive the guidance they need."
Photos by Alenka Falzonfrom The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2I1KaT5
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