Mount Carmel Hospital recorded an increase in cases of suicide attempts ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. A study conducted by a specialist trainee in the psychiatry noted that the pandemic affected many lives from different angles and some individuals faced immensely difficult psychological bouts of mental health issues, leading to the increase in admissions. It was found that there were more admissions in 2020 when compared to 2019.
Dr Daniela Zammit, who conducted the study, spoke to The Malta Independent and stated that ‘one cannot simplify [suicide] to assume that it is the end-point of sever depression and/or the inevitable reaction to an adverse life event.’ She highlighted how suicide in Malta tends to peak around March and August with a slight increase in December. Zammit said that one should call 112 if it is an emergency, or the Richmond helpline on 1770, Appoġġ on 179 or use the online support services www.kellimni.com to get any required aid.
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