Back

Malta

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: 179 (Supportline Malta)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Free and confidential emotional support for mental health issues, domestic violence, and suicide prevention. (fsws.gov.mt)
  1. Mental Health Helpline:
    • Phone Number: +356 2545 3900 (Richmond Foundation – Mental Health Support Line)
    • Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 8 PM, daily
    • Additional Details: Offers psychological support and crisis counseling. (richmond.org.mt)
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 112
    • Notes: European emergency number for police, fire, and medical assistance.
  1. LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Support:
    • Phone Number: +356 9925 5559 (MGRM – Malta Gay Rights Movement Helpline)
    • Hours of Operation: By appointment
    • Additional Details: Provides counseling and mental health support for LGBTQIA+ individuals. (mgrm.org.mt)
Suicide Prevention in Malta

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 5.0 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Malta have remained relatively low, with increasing government efforts to promote mental health awareness.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, though suicide attempts are more frequent among women.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Rising concern due to academic stress, cyberbullying, and social isolation.
    • Elderly (60+): Increased suicide risk due to loneliness and chronic illness.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Malta is highly urbanized, and suicide rates are evenly distributed across the country.
  1. Special Groups:
    • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Although Malta is known for its progressive LGBTQ+ rights, mental health challenges remain prevalent in this community.
    • Expatriates and Migrant Workers: Mental health issues related to adaptation stress and social isolation.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Malta has implemented a National Suicide Prevention Strategy as part of its broader mental health initiatives.
  • Key Elements:
    • Expanding crisis intervention services.
    • Mental health education in schools and workplaces.
    • Suicide prevention training for healthcare professionals.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “It’s Okay to Talk” campaign promotes mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Youth Mental Health Support: School-based initiatives focusing on emotional well-being and resilience.
    • Elderly Suicide Prevention Programs: Community outreach initiatives to reduce loneliness.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Malta collaborates with WHO and the European Union to enhance mental health and suicide prevention efforts.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Online mental health platforms and self-help resources.
    • AI-powered suicide risk monitoring in healthcare settings.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Suicide prevention training for teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders.
    • Peer-support networks for individuals recovering from mental health crises.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Malta has made significant progress in mental health awareness, but stigma remains a barrier to help-seeking behavior.
    • Suicide prevention efforts are integrated into the country’s progressive healthcare system.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • More studies are needed on suicide rates among LGBTQIA+ individuals and migrant populations.
    • Underreporting of suicide attempts continues to be a challenge.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Recent investments in mental health awareness campaigns and suicide prevention programs.
    • Growing public discourse on mental health and suicide prevention.

References

  1. Malta Ministry of Health. (n.d.). National Suicide Prevention Strategy and Mental Health Initiatives. Retrieved from https://deputyprimeminister.gov.mt/en/health/Pages/Mental-Health.aspx
  2. World Bank. (2019). Malta – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
  3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Malta. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Supportline 179. (n.d.). Crisis Support and Suicide Prevention Services in Malta. Retrieved from https://fsws.gov.mt/en/appogg/Pages/Supportline-179.aspx
  5. MGRM Malta. (n.d.). LGBTQIA+ Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Services. Retrieved from https://www.mgrm.org.mt/
  6. Richmond Foundation Malta. (n.d.). Mental Health Awareness and Crisis Support Initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.richmond.org.mt/