Statement by The Office of the Commissioner for the Promotion of rights of persons with Mental Disorders published on 20th May 2025
European Mental health Week 2025 (EMHW 2025)- Theme chosen by Mental Health Europe (MHE), Care for Mental Health, invest in Social Rights
Mental Health is not just a topic for a week, but it should be on our agenda every day, 24hours a day in all that we do. Safeguarding one’s mental health is a priority. Mental health is as important as physical health and has a direct impact on physical health. Our physical, mental and social wellbeing are closely linked and whatever affects one will have a direct impact on the other.
On the EMHW, Dr Denis Vella Baldacchino, Commissioner for the Promotion of Rights of Persons with mental disorders expressed the importance of investing in national efforts refocused towards preserving mental wellbeing, investing more in prevention services, early diagnosis of mental illness and easier access to all our services. Government should be responsible to break silo mentalities and enhance interministerial collaboration and coordination, including with and between all Non-Governmental Organisations. Services should be extended after office hours to facilitate greater access by the working population. Facilities should be welcoming and adapted to people’s specific needs such as neurodiversity and foreigners. Mental health problems also impact families, colleagues at the place of work and friends. These provide a support system that can make or break the effectiveness of any intervention. All necessary support should be provided to avoid their burnout.
On a European level, MHE identified poverty, unemployment and inequality as the themes which affect our mental health to be prioritised for 2025. Mental health does not exist in isolation. It is shaped by social conditions such as poverty, inequality, education, employment, and other factors of life. Trying to portray mental health as an individual matter or as solely being about biology or how the brain works will not lead to lasting solutions, and it is important to remember that.
MHE is focusing on the links between mental health and social policies. This is being done by encouraging policy makers and people in positions of power to think bigger than the biomedical narrative which focuses on the individual and illness. The calling is for a shift towards tackling the root causes of poor mental health which can affect any person at any time. We cannot afford to neglect people’s right to have access to the opportunities or support they need to live thriving lives. It is time to invest in people’s social rights.
The message being driven by MHE for EMHW 2025 states: “We see a future where mental health is protected, promoted, and supported through inclusion and strong, fair social policies. The European Union has a role in shaping this future and securing resilient societies. The European pillar of social rights offers the framework to prevent poor mental health and shape a fairer, more productive, competitive and inclusive society.” Policy Brief published by MHE.
Policy makers have the power, the opportunity, the framework and hopefully the political will to shape a mentally well society. We are here to support you to develop a mental health strategy and to ensure mental health is considered and embedded in all social policies.
Having enough money to eat, somewhere safe to live, a job providing income, access to education and social security shapes our lives, our wellbeing and our mental health. Decisions about education, employment, environment, access and the economy have an impact on society. Investing in mental health benefits everyone, so let’s work together to build a healthier and more stable future for all. Please help us to spread the word.
What are we doing in Malta?
The Office of the Commissioner for the Promotion of Rights of Persons with Mental Disorders is promoting this week for the 3rd year in a row. This is being done since we believe that we share the message being driven by MHE that as a society we need to give more importance to mental health and the impact of various social situations on one’s mental health. We are aware that there are various struggles which one faces in life, but one can access timely support to minimise the impact on one’s life. When we strengthen ourselves, we are strengthening our society by becoming healthier, stronger and more resilient. This office has worked on producing a set of pocket size cards with information about various entities where one can access help in time of crisis. These cards called ‘helplines, apps & chats’ bring together information through which one can access timely, personalized and professional services which offer support in times of mental health crisis. Other services offer specialised therapeutic services such as those related to loneliness, addictions including drugs, alcohol and gambling. Other services offer family therapy and counselling, support for mental health at the workplace, problems related to pregnancy and disability matters. A free copy of these cards may be obtained by sending an email with one’s address via email on [email protected] or through a private message via the Facebook page . All information is treated with privacy and confidentiality.
A stronger society means better mental health for all. Let’s build it together. (MHE, 2025)