The issue of the mental health of adolescents. The proportion of youth who are considering suicide is steadily rising, and NGOs are calling for greater action to improve the mental the mental health concerns of females and males. Richmond Foundation and Victim Support Malta have stated that the youth are facing a variety of stressors, ranging from environmental to financial as well as emotional. These pressures are made worse through social media, which amplifies expectations for unrealistic perfectionism.
The police have provided data regarding the prevalence of suicide and attempted suicide among those under the age of 24,24,which has which has shown an increase in the past 10 years. In the year 2015, five individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 took themselves; this was the highest figure since 2014. The trend was evident by the sheer number of people who had attempted to take their own lives. 19 young people who were younger than 24—and one of them was younger than 14 years old—attempting to commit suicide in the initial six months of the year. That’s exactly the same as the number of suicide attempts in 2021.
The data from the police shows that the vast majority of people who committed suicide over the last decade were males. Actually, 230 of the 277 people who took their own lives since 2014 were men. The same pattern can be seen in the younger age group. 22 of the 29 individuals who were under the age of 24 and committed suicide in 2014 were males.
“The increase in suicide rates for young people, specifically males, is a driving issue that has multiple reasons.” Lynn Sammut, a psychotherapist at the Richmond Foundation, notes that academic pressure, social media, and societal expectations can stifle emotional expression, contributing to a worrying rise in mental health concerns. “Sammut is concerned about the peaceful mental health of the younger generation. The number of people seeking help has increased, with teens reaching out for help and telling her they had thoughts of suicide, she says. They had many young men and their loved ones contacting them, as struggles with relationships and break-ups have a reported high impact on their mental health and well-being and at times reportedly result in contemplation of suicide, she explained. Karl Grech, from the NGO Victim Support Malta, also expressed concern about the mental health issues of children and young adults.
“This stage of adulthood is usually characterised by people seeking to decide their own course, leading to the feeling of lagging behind their other peers. Nowadays, social media may cause this problem by giving the illusion that all other people’s lives are flawless, whereas your own personal life could be unsatisfactory in comparison.”
 What are the factors that have led youngsters to reach this place?
Image Source: Deccan Herald
Sammut stated that Malta’s socioeconomic and environmental environment pose unique issues for teenagers. Numerous factors contribute to the problem of mental illness within this population. This included the economic stressors: “While Malta has experienced an economic boom, the price of living, including housing, has increased significantly and is affecting the financial security of young people and their future outlook. It can cause distress and tension,” she explained. Also, there were challenges in the field of education in the Maltese educational system, which was under pressure caused by overcrowding as well as teacher shortages.
There were social pressures to be faced: “A highly competitive job market, coupled with traditional societal expectations and environmental concerns,” she stated in a statement, stating that Malta’s smaller dimensions and population growth have led to environmental issues including pollution, traffic congestion, and a lack of green space. “A comprehensive approach is needed, encompassing mental health support, education, sustainable economic growth, and environmental protection, to holistically address these interconnected issues.
” Grech of Victim Support Malta said: “Today’s reality is characterised by a faster pace of life, less room, less space to relax, greater chaos, and more work. The result is that people feel stressed and exhausted. It is important to think about growth in a different way in order to provide a decent level of quality of life to all the members of our society.” The cost of living affects the financial security of young people. He talked about the need for a national mental health system that is accessible at all levels, ranging from elementary schools all the way to the larger population. There was a demand for additional mental health professionals in the community in order to aid individuals in dealing with problems that may arise on both a family and individual level.
“Providing distress tolerance skills and psychoeducational tools to both children and adults can help them understand and manage their emotions and experiences,” he explained, adding that previous research has shown a connection between a lack of expression and suicidal thoughts.
If you’ve been affected by suicide, Victim Support Malta offers an anonymous and non-confidential multidisciplinary therapy service. Contact 2122 8333 or e-mail info@victimsupport.org. The Mt. Richmond Foundation has supported many individuals through their Olli Chat call line, the 1770 helpline, and their free therapy services.
