Il-Baħħ u Jien (Loneliness) was the title of this year’s Mental Health Conference organised by the Mental Health Association (Gozo) at Villa Fiorita in Marsalforn.

Fr Karm Debattista, MSSP

As in previous years, the event was very informative with several discussions about real life experiences and talks presented by well-known speakers in this field, including Commissioner for Mental Health John Cachia and Psychiatry chairman Anton Grech. Another speaker was Fr Karm Debattista, member of the Missionary Society of St Paul.

From the various studies presented, it emerged that loneliness was a painful universal phenomenon and can have serious detrimental effects on one’s mental and physical health.

Loneliness was a common experience among female, widowed, and the aged population, for example. But contrary to the myth that loneliness was prevalent more among the elderly, it was generally more reported among adolescents and young children.

“We can have people who are in a lifelong relationship, have a good status, fame and fortune… but still experience a deep, pervasive loneliness. It is important to intervene at the right time to prevent loneliness, so that physical and mental health of patients is maintained,” one of the speakers said.

The conference, which was also addressed by Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana, was attended by the Prime Minister’s wife, Michelle Muscat.

A sculpture by a local artist having mental health problems was presented to Gozo General Hospital CEO Nadine Delicata by the Mental Health Association Gozo.