A recent report by Mental Health Europe (MHE) showed that 9 million young people between the ages of 15 to 30 living in Europe suffer from mental health problems.
The Office of the Commissioner for the Promotion of Rights of Persons with Mental Disorders presented the data during a European Mental Health Week conference.
The World of Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that 50% of mental health problems which currently affect adults start in their adolescence, with Malta in a similar position. Data showed that persons between the ages of 15 and 24-years-old who suffer from mental health problems has doubled, with the pandemic contributing to these numbers.
The Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Mental Disorders Denis Vella said that the problem must be pointed out before it escalates and that more emphasis on education for children needs to increase.
Several organisations, such as Dar Kenn Ghal Sahtek, are working to address such issues, but they all acknowledged that more work needs to be done. Focus on breaking the stigma against speaking up about mental health issues has taken priority to help people seek help and thus prevent the issues from growing.
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