MHSA and Betapsi joined forces to raise awareness on Mental Health in front of the Parliament building in Valletta, this Sunday 21st October.
Both organisations were thrilled to see that people of all ages attended this event in order to learn more about the stigma that plagues our society. The stand had several activities tied to mental health to help those who attended understand a bit more of what is trying to be promoted.
Art Therapy
Art therapy was available for those who wanted to express their ideas on how they view mental health. Many children drew pictures of superheroes helping those in need. This was very heartwarming to see as it gives us a glimpse of how children have a better grasp of the issue than most adults do.
Animal Therapy
Another therapeutic activity that was available was animal therapy and this was also another huge hit with children. It helped them relax and immediate results were clear. Those who played with the dogs, allowed themselves to be more vulnerable and discuss more about mental health.
Yoga
Yoga was also available to promote exercise and its relation to mental health. It is scientifically proven that physical exercise benefits the state of mind of every human being. This activity attracted a lot of people that either participated or simply watched.
Mental Health Tree
There was also a ‘Mental Health Tree’ which people could write beautiful and endearing thoughts they wanted to share with everyone. It was touching to see all of the messages people had to write to help others who might be going through something.
The organisations provided them with several statements that were either myths or truths about mental health, to test visitors’ knowledge. It was surprising to see how many people did not know about basic facts on mental health but thankfully, the organisations were there to educate people on the matter and help them understand how crucial it is to break this stigma that surrounds us.
The purpose of the event was definitely fulfilled and all the expectations that the organisations had, were met. One member of one of the organisations said that it was very encouraging to see young children and elderly people, eager to learn about mental health.
It is ok to accept help from professionals. It is ok to go to therapy and it is especially ok to learn how to get help and where to get it from.
