The Reality Of Student & Youth Mental Health In Malta.

said they always
or very often
feel nervous

said they always
or very often
get upset easily or feel
panicky unexpectedly

said they always
or very often
feel generally
anxious

Everyone You Meet Is
Fighting A Battle
You Know Nothing About.

Be Kind. Always.

Speaking Up.
Speaking Out.

We asked our community to speak to us about their
experiences with mental health, & how it affects
their daily lives. These stories show the unfiltered
reality that so many people face on a daily basis.

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Under The Surface.

”Having been diagnosed with anxiety and bipolar type 2, I take my week one day at a time and hence no day is the same. Some days I'm unable to do anything and I withdraw socially when I'm depressed. I normally lack sleep during this stage. Other times however I experience an explosion of emotions and am far more likely to engage in risky behaviours and put relationships in danger which lengthens my spell of poor mental health due to the aftermath. Depending on the severity of the episode I also struggle with suicidal thoughts.

57% Shared Similar Feelings.

COVID-19 Had A Huge Impact On The Mental Health

Of Students.

55%

In April 2020, 55% of youths aged 16-24 felt depressed most days of the week, when compared to the 45% of the general population.

55%

In March 2021, 55% of youths aged 16-24 felt lonely most days of the week, when compared to the 30% of the general population.

45%

In March 2021, 45% of youths aged 16-24 felt like everything was effort most days of the week, when compared to the 30% of the general population.

But Not Just
On Students.

We spoke to University of Malta lecturer, Professor Michael Zammit & student Denise Perini on how COVID-19 impacted their mental health. They also spoke about the importance of communication between students & lecturers when tackling & discussing mental health.

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Malta’s Perception On Mental Health Is Still Quite Negative.

”People think that those with mental health issues are incompetent and there’s something wrong with them which makes people want to hide it. We would tell our boss to miss work for a doctors appointment but not for a therapy session or psychiatrist appointment even though they’re both for our health.

”It's still very taboo... you're always met with "it's not real, it’s just in your head" or you'll find someone who will downplay whatever you are going through, or lightly say something like "how depressing" for something insignificant.

Let’s Break
The Stigma
Behind Therapy.

For years on end, people have hidden their therapy appointments from friends and family, and that is unacceptable.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Going to therapy is a normal act of improving your health, and no one should be forced to feel otherwise. Here are some first-hand experiences proving just that.

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