{"id":52225,"date":"2025-10-11T13:56:31","date_gmt":"2025-10-11T12:56:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/?p=52225"},"modified":"2025-10-11T13:56:31","modified_gmt":"2025-10-11T12:56:31","slug":"i-want-to-see-a-country-that-normalises-mental-health-check-ups-and-strengthens-the-culture-of-prevention-lydia-abela","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/livenewsmalta.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/11\/i-want-to-see-a-country-that-normalises-mental-health-check-ups-and-strengthens-the-culture-of-prevention-lydia-abela\/","title":{"rendered":"I want to see a country that normalises mental health check-ups and strengthens the culture of prevention: Lydia Abela"},"content":{"rendered":"
We want our children to grow up in a less stressful environment, but we also need to give them the mental tools to face life\u2019s challenges as they grow older.<\/p>\n
This was stated by the\u00a0Spouse of the\u00a0Prime Minister,\u00a0Dr Lydia Abela, during the\u00a0National Conference on Quality of Life and Mental Health, held as part of the\u00a0Nitkellem<\/em>\u00a0festival at Fort St Elmo.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving a mental health check-up should be as normal as going for a visit to your doctor. To change a culture, we must start with children,\u201d Dr Abela emphasised.<\/p>\n
Lydia Abela and the Government of Malta organised this festival in collaboration with the Richmond Foundation, SOS Malta, Dar Kenn g\u0127al Sa\u0127\u0127tek, actress Simone Spiteri, and ultra-endurance swimmer Neil Agius. Also taking part werethe Ministry for Health, Special Olympics Malta, Teatru Malta, Kelma Kelma Nota Nota, as well as several mental health experts and activists.<\/p>\n
It was a day filled with educational activities for children, discussions and workshops, as well as cultural and musical performances. Hundreds of people experienced a day of serenity, feeling comfortable to relax and open up,\u00a0including many who took the opportunity to speak with professionals available throughout the day.<\/p>\n
Dr Abela explained that this was not a ceremonial festival, but a manifestation of open dialogue and reflection. She said that the real stories shared during the conference show that mental health does not discriminate and concerns everyone.<\/p>\n
She went on to explain that, in recent years, Malta has taken several measures to place mental health at the heart of its national priorities.<\/p>\n
While progress continues toward establishing a new psychiatric hospital,\u00a0one that is integrated rather than separated from physical healthcare,\u00a0community-based services are also being expanded.<\/p>\n
Among other initiatives, a new collaboration between the Government and the\u00a0Richmond Foundation\u00a0has introduced\u00a0free courses in mental health first aid\u00a0within local communities.<\/p>\n
The wife of the Prime Minister added that there remains a continuous need to view mental health not only as a medical issue, but as a way of life.<\/p>\n
She spoke about the\u00a0digital era\u00a0and the influence of\u00a0social media, noting that it has become common to see very young children spending long hours on tablets or mobile phones.<\/p>\n
While social media has many advantages, excessive use can have negative effects, leading to anxiety, depression, and isolation. Dr Abela said that\u00a0addiction to social media\u00a0has become a real issue that must be addressed with a sense of responsibility.<\/p>\n
Dr Abela highlighted that the Maltese people are known for their solidarity. This festival, she said, conveyed a clear message:\u00a0speaking up is the first step, and there will always be someone ready to listen.<\/p>\n
She emphasised that we must always take care of one another, as this is how we build a strong society that ensures everyone can reach their full potential.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am proud to be Maltese, because we are a people who come together to offer solidarity,\u201d concluded the\u00a0spouse of the\u00a0Prime Minister.<\/p>\n