Today marks World Mental Health Day - a day of utmost importance for all the community.

If you or a loved one are going through a rough patch and need someone to talk to, rest assured that you can reach out to one of these 10 organisations that will definitely be there to listen.

1. Mental Health Association Malta

Set up in 1982, Mental Health Association Malta (MHAM) aims to help family members of individuals living with mental illnesses whilst raising awareness about mental health. MHAM organises various support groups for carers who can share their experiences with looking after mental health patients.

2. Richmond Foundation

'Let’s talk about mental health' is Richmond Foundation’s slogan, which instantly opens up the conversation on mental health. Richmond Foundation is all about getting conversations going about mental health in a bid to reduce the stigma surrounding it. We’ve all been through tough times and talking about it with friends, family, or health care professionals can make all the difference.

3. Victim Support Malta

Victim Support Malta is a non-governmental organisation that supports victims of crime - 'uou are not alone, let’s talk about it'. VSM provides support and assistance to people who have been victims of anything from theft and burglary to domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, discrimination and cybercrime.

4. Kellimni.com

Kellimni.com is an online platform where you can chat anonymously with a team of professionally trained individuals. The organisation’s chat lines are open 24/7 for anyone who needs a chat at any time of day.

5. LGBTQI+ Support

There are various support groups specifically for the LGBTQI+ community out there - many of which offer mental health support at different levels of the community. These include MGRM (Malta Gay Rights Movement), Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC) , and Drachma.

6. SOAR Malta

SOAR is a service given by the NGO St Jeanne Antide Foundation that offers support to victims of domestic violence. This organisation helps such victims bounce back from terrible relationships while also raising awareness in the public sphere.

7. Crisis Resolution Malta

Founded in 2010, Crisis Resolution Malta is a private network made up of experienced professionals who are growing this local service to help those who struggle with psychological problems.

8. Betapsi Malta

Betapsi is the University’s psychology student association. This organisation frequently hosts event and projects in a bid to raise awareness about mental health.

9. Mount Carmel Hospital

The community services offered at this hospital have often helped people at times of crises..

10. St Jeanne Antide Foundation

Affiliated with Mental Health Association Malta, the St Jeanne Antide Foundation works with family care givers of persons living with mental illnesses. The foundation has got two centres and various programmes, including SOAR, LWIEN, and IRENE.

Don’t suffer in silence. Reach out, there are people willing to listen. If you know of someone who’s going through a rough time, check in and see how they’re doing this World Mental Health Day. It could make all the difference.

Mental Health Association Malta / Facebook