The Alliance for Mental Health, has issued a Statement about the effects that the Covid-19 Pandemic is leaving on our mental health both directly in those hit by the condition and indirectly through the social and economical repercussions that it is causing.
It is imperative for Mental Health Services not to be overlooked in order to prevent deteriorating mental health which could lead to possible serious repercussions including hospitalisation and people succumbing to desperate ideation.
To this end, the United Nations urge that Governments make Mental Health Service Delivery during the Covid-19 Pandemic a priority.
“Mental Health Services should be an essential part of all government responses to the COVID-19. They must be expanded and fully funded”.
United Nations, 2020
A4MH note that the closure of the psychiatric Outpatients Department along with the Psychiatric Unit at Mater Dei Hospital means the complete removal of any mental health presence at the general hospital; which is the opposite direction of what was published in the Mental Health Strategy 2020-2030. The development of community mental health services is important, but it has to be ensured that ALL the necessary resources are in place in order to run them.
It is in the nations’ best interest, that people are able to deal with the psychological impact of this pandemic. Otherwise, we risk a universal depression and its aftermath can be much more devastating than the physical effects of COVID-19.
Media Resources:
- Full A4MH Press Release can be viewed here
- The Malta Independent: Covid-19:2,100 calls for help; people with mental health issues at risk
- Lovinmalta: Growing concerns over mental health patients following closure of Mater Dei psychiatric department
- ToM: Mental Health patients in ‘limbo’ as outpatients’ section closes
- ToM Opinion: The Butchering of Mental health services
- ToM Editorial: Mental Health in Second Wave
- The Malta Independent: ‘Hear our desperate plea for more investment in mental health care’ – Mental Health Association
- The Malta Independent Opinion: Why was the Psychiatric Outpatients Department closed?
- The Malta Independent: Social workers concerned about closure of psychiatric out-patient department at Mater Dei Hospital\
- Lovinmalta: ‘Unforgiving Void’ Left Due To Neglected Mental Health Services At Mater Dei, Medical Association Warns
- Newsbook: Lack of resources putting strain on family as mental health issues on the increase – A4MH
- ToM: Closure of psychiatric outpatients ‘in line with strategy’ – government