Mental wellbeing in Malta during the pandemic aftermath : a call-to-action

Abstract

During the 2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, mental health challenges constituted a parallel peak to physical health difficulties. Local research conducted during COVID-19 identified mental wellbeing implications that merited consideration. Currently, the population is progressing to a new normality. Whilst the encouragement to adapt is commended, the mental wellbeing nuances experienced during COVID-19 pandemic and in the face of an altered reality following the pandemic, need to be addressed. This paper will navigate around some of the needed changes in the local context. This literature review utilised the University of Malta library resources and main online media portals to access literature involving the local context that is Malta, focusing on a specific mental wellbeing area rather than on generic mental health, and published between 2020 and 2022. Eligible publications yield it for four areas, namely loneliness, anger, social media access, and mental health at the workplace. These were explored with international literature to elicit further recommendations. The analysis yielded recommendations on environmental and architectural considerations, awareness and access to mental-health services, changes at the workplace, and consideration of identity markers to ensure accessibility to our social welfare systems to all.