Birkirkara, 11 September 2024
The Mental Health Association strongly condemns a recent post by Loving Malta. The post featured a mental health professional speaking to journalists at the World Suicide Prevention Day Conference, held at the University of Malta on 10 September 2024. The professional referred to a recent death and included the late person’s photo.
The post is deemed unethical because the psychiatrist is referring to the recent demise of a person, stating that he cannot speak ‘extensively’ about the case, and commenting on it within the margins of World Suicide Prevention Day Conference held at the University of Malta on 10 September 2024, asking the audience not to ‘speculate’.
Moreover, it is appalling for Lovin Malta to tag a private service offered by the same Psychiatrist, thus capitalising on the context.
This is deeply concerning, on two fronts: The media’s extent to get a story and generate sensationalism; and the psychiatrist’s audacity to speak in this context. Promoting a private service by leveraging a tragic death is not just appalling but requires immediate action by the relevant authorities both towards the media house and the psychiatrist.
The lack of sensitivity towards the grieving family and community, and the exploitation of such a loss undermines the integrity of mental health professionals who work tirelessly to support individuals in crisis and violates the trust of those who seek help in vulnerable moments.
We urge all media platforms to exercise greater responsibility and discernment in their coverage of mental health issues. The dignity, privacy, and well-being of those affected by mental health crises must always come first.
We also call on both the media and medical bodies to investigate this incident thoroughly and to implement appropriate measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, protecting the public from misinformation and safeguarding the trust that is essential between mental health professionals and the communities they serve.
When one is in need or is witnessing a person in mental distress, one should call 112 Emergency Department, where a 24/7 crisis service is available, other services are also available through 1579 the National Mental Health Helpline.
The Mental Health Association remains dedicated to advocating for the highest standards of care, professionalism, and respect in the mental health field, and we stand firmly against any actions that detract from these principles.
The Mental Health Association (MHA) is a registered non-profit voluntary organisation (V.O/0317). established by relatives of those experiencing mental health challenges, in tandem with professionals in the field. MHA aims to empower and support family caregivers of those suffering from mental health challenges.
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