This is not the first time a woman has died due to domestic violence, with KSU having dedicated a bench at the University that is inscribed with names of women who have unfortunately passed away at the hands of abusive men. 

The last name that bench had seen was Rita Ellul whose tragic death happened in March of this year. Before her, there was Paulina Dembska, whose unfortunate death happened early during the year. Last week, Bernice’s name was added to the long list on the bench. 

Several individuals voiced their grief and anger on the situation, with Professor Gorg Mallia, the Head of Department of the Media and Knowledge Science faculty, taking to social media to pay tribute to the late Bernice. 

Mallia used to teach Bernice between 2002-2005 and described her as being “a quiet yet hard-working student”. Mallia had kept touch with Bernice thanks to Facebook, where he saw her live her life with her children.  

He ended his post by condemning violence and murder, saying that it is can never be used to end an argument as it will lead to the end of a person’s life. 

“Il-qtil QATT mhu ġustifikat. Ma jista’ jkun QATT it-tmiem ta’ argument. Għax hu biss TMIEM. Tat-tama li kellek f’ħajtek li tgħix ferħana. Tiegħek.” 

Moreover, GħSL expressed their own frustration about the situation, saying

In our studies we were taught that willful homicide is the gravest heinous act one could commit to the sanctity of one’s entire being, thus it is punishable with life imprisonment.  

Although the State punishes the killing of victims of domestic violence with the harshest of sanctions, is has failed to create structures which prevent it. It is the obligation of the State to create and enforce measures which safeguard victims of domestic abuse and protect them from their abusers. GħSL is angered that our administration is invested in issuing statements of condemnation post facto rather than investing to develop a well-functioning and efficient criminal justice system.

Furthermore, GħSL shed light onto the current system Malta has in place when it comes to cases of domestic violence. There is currently only one Magistrate who handles all domestic violence cases on the island. This explains why there is a huge number of court cases that are pending and awaiting verdict. 

The organisation proposed its own solutions: 

Firstly, a system be implemented in which domestic abuse of a less grave nature be dealt with at local police headquarters, as to streamline and make it easier for victims to make their voices heard; and secondly, that proper regard is given to judicial bodies, so that remedies and safeguards to victims could be as expeditious and effective as possible. 

GħSL attended a demonstration hosted by Moviment Graffiti and Integra on November 25, a symbolic day as it was the ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women’. Several individuals joined as they paid tribute to all of the women who have tragically lost their lives. 

Moviment Graffiti will take to the street’s again on December 2, this time with the theme of ‘Reclaim the Night’ to raise awareness on the violence that women face, “This violence encompasses street harassment, cyber harassment, psychological abuse, unwanted sexual advances, rape, femicide, human trafficking, child marriage and female genital mutilation. Stopping this violence starts by (but doesn’t stop at) listening to and believing women”.

The organisation invites you to submit your stories about such experiences so they may be read and bring awareness to the gravity of the situation. 

Moreover, the University of Malta held a “memorable and reflective event” in memory of Bernice. Several speakers where present to raise awareness on the topic. Such as Alexander Dimitrijevic, founder of ‘Men Against Violence‘, who called out Malta’s culture of seeing “women as a problem that has to be solved, that blames women for things that are done to them“.

KSU president, Alex Gaglione, spoke about how the country’s system failed these women. She pointed out how Bernice “did everything she had to do“, showing how Bernice had made several police reports but no action was taken.

Former president, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, stated the horrifying truth that many women now feel even more scared to speak up than before, having seen how such cases end.

How Can You Help Victims Of Domestic Abuse

If a person suddenly shows up with bruises, such as black eyes, bruised lips, marks on their neck, or starts behaving differently, for example, starts withdrawing and isolating themselves and is constantly anxious, then that person might be a victim of domestic abuse.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing any kind of abuse, be it physical, emotional, or psychological, reach out for help can contact Victim Support Malta at 2122 8333 or on info@victimsupport.org.mt

The post Domestic Violence: The Unfortunate, Yet Recurring Tragedy In Malta appeared first on The Third Eye.

Written by Gabriel Grixti and Daniel Zammit Lupi from MMSA

As MMSA, this year we are re-introducing the ‘Diabetes Awareness Campaign’ in the hopes of reaching out to the public about this extremely prevalent disease. It is estimated that 422 million people have the condition worldwide, and this number is expected to rise further within the next decade. We believe that people should be made more aware of this disease which affects quite a large percentage of our population.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when the blood glucose level (or blood sugar) is too high. Glucose is the main source of energy for our cells and it comes from the food that we eat. Insulin, which is a hormone produced by the pancreas, aids the uptake of glucose so that it may be transformed into energy. Sometimes the body does not produce enough insulin or loses its ability to use it. When this happens, glucose remains in the blood leading to a high blood glucose level.

The main types of diabetes are: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes) is a chronic condition which occurs when the body does not make insulin. This type of diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, as the immune system attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas (beta cells) that produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can appear at any age. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to control their blood glucose.

In Type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin to cope with the body’s demands or it loses its sensitivity to use insulin. Type 2 diabetes can develop at any age, however, it more commonly develops in middle-aged and older people. This is the most common type of diabetes. People having this type of diabetes are able to somewhat better control their blood glucose levels when compared to type 1 diabetes who need to take daily insulin.

Gestational diabetes develops in some women during pregnancy. Typically, this type of diabetes goes away after the mother gives birth. However, if you have had gestational diabetes, you have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes later on in life. Any woman can develop this during pregnancy, but women with the following risk factors are predisposed: BMI above 30, previously having a baby who weighed 4.5kg or more at birth, or having an immediate family member diagnosed with diabetes, amongst others.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

The symptoms of diabetes and the presentation is not always the same. Certain symptoms only occur in either men or women. In addition to this, they also differ in people having type-1 or type-2 diabetes. However, there are some general symptoms common to all. These general symptoms include increased hunger and thirst, weight loss, frequent urination, blurry vision and sores that do not heal. Men who have diabetes could also exhibit the following symptoms: decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction and loss of strength. Diabetic women are more prone to urinary tract infections, yeast infections and dry skin.

What are the complications of diabetes?

High blood sugar damages organs and tissues all over the body. The higher your blood sugar is and the longer you live with it, the greater the risk of complications. Complications associated with diabetes include: heart disease, heart attack and stroke, nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney damage (nephropathy), eye damage (retinopathy), vision loss, hearing loss, foot damage, ulceration which may lead to amputation and depression. People with type 2 diabetes also have an increased risk of dementia (Alzheimer’s). In gestational diabetes, complications include pre-eclampsia and also a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on in life.

Preventing Diabetes

People with type 1 diabetes unfortunately could not do anything to prevent them from getting the chronic disease. However, type 2 diabetes which is the most common form of the disease, can be prevented. One can take the following measures to prevent developing this form of diabetes.

1. Reducing sugar and refined carbs from your diet
2. Keeping active
3. Drinking water as the primary beverage
4. Maintaining a healthy weight Being overweight enhances your chances of developing type 2 diabetes 7-fold
5. Quitting smoking Smokers are 30-40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes when compared to non-smokers. Smoking can also make managing the disease difficult because high levels of nicotine can lessen the effectiveness of insulin causing smokers to need more insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Studies have found insulin to become more effective at lowering blood glucose levels just 8 weeks after quitting smoking
6. Following a very-low-carb diet
7. Reducing stress Stress hormones raise blood pressure and heart rate causing blood glucose levels to rise. Stress can lead to excessive smoking and eating which increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes can lead to serious medical complications but the condition can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes. One of the most important notions in medicine is understanding that PREVENTION is BETTER than cure, therefore by focusing on PREVENTION and adapting the appropriate lifestyle changes one can avoid developing the complications and struggles that arise from this disease.

Diabetes awareness campaign on Quad

On Wednesday 24^th November from 12pm to 2pm, the Public Health team within MMSA will be organising health checks as part of the ‘Diabetes Awareness Campaign’ on quadrangle for University students and staff to get their blood glucose and blood pressure checked. We hope to see you there!

References

1. Diabetes mellitus, fasting blood glucose concentration, and risk of vascular disease: a collaborative meta-analysis of 102 prospective studies. Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration
2. Diabetes. Who.int. (2021). Retrieved 31 October 2021, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes.
3. What is Diabetes?. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Retrieved 31 October 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetes.html.
4. Diabetes Symptoms. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Retrieved 31 October 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/symptoms.html.
5. Asif M. (2014). The prevention and control the type-2 diabetes by changing lifestyle and dietary pattern. Journal of education and health promotion, 3, 1. https://doi.org/10.4103/2277-9531.127541

Find more articles by MMSA here.

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This research, which was commissioned by MISCO, was aimed at exploring (mostly) student’s perceptions on drug use, as well as local drug policies and finally, the impact that Covid-19 has had on all this. The study further elaborates these findings and more in the following sections:

Drug Use for Recreational Purposes

When asked, “Have you ever made use of drugs for recreational use? “- 67% percent of the respondents answered that they have used drugs recreationally and 59% said that they are still making use of recreational drugs.

But the real question is, which drugs are students using recreationally?

98% of respondents have tried cannabis, 46% have tried hallucinogens and 38% have tried stimulants. Interestingly, 56% of the respondents who have tried recreational drugs, did so between the ages of 17 and 19 years. 29% have done so when they were 16 years old – overall this section gained a higher response rate from the male demographic.

And the final question- why did they first take drugs?

77% did so out of curiosity, 61% for experience and 54% just wanted to have fun. Contrary to popular belief, only a whopping 4% of students tried drugs because of peer pressure.

Perceptions of Drug Use and Substance

What kind of influence can drug use have on ones mental and physical wellbeing? 75% of respondents agree that using drugs can negatively impact one’s physical well being. 78% believe that it can negatively influence mental health. Another finding which contradicts commonly held belief- 68% of respondents do not agree that cannabis is a gateway drug to harder substances. In fact, 31% consider cannabis to not be dangerous at all.

How would people perceive me if I take drugs?

77% of respondents disagree with the notion that using drugs can improve social image. That being said, most respondents agree with the therapeutic qualities of certain drugs for specific medical conditions.

How easily accessible are drugs?

81% consider cannabis to be easily accessible, 56% for cocaine and 45% for MDMA. 65% of the responses were unaware of the easy access to amphetamines.

The Impact of Covid-19

Do you think that Covid-19 has influenced substance use? 67% of respondents seem to think there’s been an increase in the number of substance users and 61% of drug users are using more frequently. These are quite shocking results.

Perceptions of Drug Laws and Regulations

A very spicy question at the moment- do you believe that recreational cannabis should legalised? A staggering 55% of respondents believe that it should not only be decriminalised but should be made legal. 88% of respondents agree with the recent legalisation of medical cannabis.

Drug Abusers- Patients or Criminals?

88% of respondents agree that drug abusers should be considered as patients rather than criminals. This was a perception shared by 90% of the male respondents and 86% of female respondents.

‘To legalise or not to legalise?’

By legalising drugs, 78% of respondents agreed that the black market would be weakened and 77% agreed that it would limit the distribution of harmful quality drugs. Furthermore, 71% agree that it could also lead to a reduction in drug-related crimes.

That being said, 50% of respondents believe that this would lead to an increase in consumption. 24% believe that legalisation will not influence consumption rates.

It’s refreshing to see this kind of data being gathered, it sets the record straight on where student opinions lie and clear up some misconceptions. Bring on more info KSU!

You can access the full report here.

Read more on ‘Beyond The Influence’ here.

The post What Do Students Think About Drugs? | KSU’s ‘Beyond the Influence’ Survey appeared first on The Third Eye.

Beyond The Influence

The world of drugs is wide and large. This campaign firstly intended on raising awareness of drug use and abuse (yes, there’s a difference) amongst young adults. It also covered illicit drug activities- particularly drug trafficking as well as the kind of effects drugs have on the body and mind. The effectiveness of drug treatment and rehab was also covered. But it went beyond that too; touching upon how law enforcement may be enhanced to fit the holistic context of drugs as well as the judicial cooperation and legislation in the EU.

The wide array of topics covered highlights how interconnected societal systems are in relation to the individual and the kinds of decisions they make, especially when it comes to drugs.

Meet the Panelists – The National and European Impact of Drug Use

A discussion of such high importance cannot be held without a well-informed collective. For this reason, KSU brought to the panel four professional guest speakers from various backgrounds to implement a vibrant discussion.

Karen Mamo – with a background in Harm Reduction and Conflict resolution, Mamo raised awareness about the necessity of dialogue. Her inclusive approach ensures the promotion of health and wellbeing for people who use substances.

Julian Delia – an up and coming journalist for the Times of Malta. His activism as one of the former founding members of ReLeaf brought well educated and researched contributions to the discussion on legalisation, regulation and taxation of cannabis.

Dr. Philip von Brockdorff – Head of the Department of Economics at UoM. His profession as an applied economist and contributions to the economic review of several Government policies made him a key speaker on drug-related policies which were discussed in this panel.

The Honourable Claudette Buttigieg – Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Malta. She is also PN’s spokesperson on Social Policy and the Family. Her work in the fields of Equality, Social Dialogue and Health contributed greatly to the conversation on the National and European Impact of Drug Use.

It’s All About Policy

As mentioned above, ‘The National and European Impact of Drug Use’ was the final panel discussion in this campaign’s series. This particular discussion focused on the following policy areas of the Drug Policy. These being the;

1. ‘Drug Demand Reduction’ which aims at reducing the publics desire for illicit and illegal drugs.
2. ‘Drug Supply Reduction’ which aims at interrupting drug trafficking across various transportation modes.

Despite the increase in this policy’s implementations, drug use is still a prominent issue. The campaign tackled this by paying particular attention to Malta’s implementation of the EU minimum quality standards. The discussion also talked about enhancing security and enhancing effective judicial cooperation and legislation in the EU as potential solutions.

To Legalise or not to Legalise?

The panel delved beyond policies too! Besides touching upon all aspects of illicit trafficking of drugs- if and how the legalisation of drugs will have an effect on it for instance. They also focused on the hypothetical impact legalising particular drugs would have on the drug demand and supply relationship in Europe. Will legalisations result in an increase or decrease in demand? Following this, a discussion on the negative and positive impacts of decriminalisation ensued. After decriminalisation, EU countries like Portugal experienced significant drops in overdoses, HIV infection and drug-related crimes occurred in. Could and should Malta follow suit on this basis?

The Cannabis Conundrum

Particular attention was given to a rather hot topic in the drug world at the moment- cannabis. Questions on the panel included the contrasts between recreational and medical cannabis- accessibility being a prominent issue. Although medical cannabis has been legalised, contrasting regulations regarding it have hindered its movement as a good across States. This was tackled through legislation amendments made by the European Medicinal Cannabis Alliance. The speculated impacts this harmonising motion has had on Maltese citizens using cannabis as a treatment was touched upon.

Apart from this, the conditions regarding legalisation of Recreational Cannabis in Malta was also posed. Questions included, “What kind of restrictions should be posed regarding consumption?” And secondly, “how can Cannabis’ reputation as a gateway drug be combatted, especially given this potential legalisation? “

Your FuturEU

On top of the Drug Awareness Campaign, KSU will be holding another two campaigns co-funded by the EU. These campaigns form part of the umbrella campaign Your FuturEU, all oriented towards the well-being of students and young adults. Check out KSU’s space for more information on the upcoming The Future is Equal: A Gender Equality Campaign and Mind Your Health: A Mental Health Campaign. We’re fervently anticipating these campaigns and holding them to the same standard as ‘Beyond the Influence’.

The post Zooming in: KSU’s ‘Beyond The Influence’ Campaign appeared first on The Third Eye.

Having older friends, hanging out with teachers rather than fellow students, having a passion for a few subjects; these are very common traits amongst people on the autism spectrum. These were also the signs that led Jacob’s parents to get him diagnosed at an early age. However, the diagnosis was just a word at 9-years-old, a factor like every other part of life. The implications of being on the spectrum admittedly took some time to sink in. “Now it defines who I am in terms of how I act, how I interact, what I feel and what I don’t, what I say and what I don’t,” Jacob confided, “It makes me who I am essentially.”

In retrospect, his academic journey was not unlike any other Maltese student his age.

Jacob trudged through the ups and downs of secondary school and sixth form; his eyes fixed on “the light at the end of the tunnel”: an acceptance letter to the University of Malta. To him, University was the key to a successful future, a thriving academic and professional life, and a chance to further develop his love for history, politics, and current affairs. This mentality may have been ingrained in Jacob at a younger age. However, as he experienced campus life first-hand, he quickly acknowledged it as true. “In hindsight, it was a truly enjoyable experience.”

Unfortunately, the journey to step onto the Quadrangle was not as smooth as one would have wished it.

Starting from secondary school, Jacob’s condition presented him with obstacles that he had to overcome. Whereas he excelled in most subjects and did well enough in others, he had an outright mental blockage towards Maths. Jacob burned through six different private tutors for the subject, as well as eight different LSAs at his secondary school. His last private tutor blatantly acknowledged his aversion to the subject, saying that there was no use pushing him further. This obstacle persisted as something which Jacob never overcame and simply had to make peace with. He entered St. Aloysius College under special requirements for disabled students. The two years passed blissfully without having to stumble upon any hurdles, that is until Jacob had to apply for the University of Malta.

Regardless of his satisfactory MATSEC grades, there were institutional and political hurdles yet to be crossed, as Jacob put it. “Going into university was a fight to change people’s minds,” he said. He fought for increased awareness about the difficulties autistic and disabled people face when trying to get into university. He fought for a change in mentality.

“There were ten other students with a similar condition to mine that got into university that year,” he said.

This came after UM Senate had passed a change in regulations which made it possible for people with autism and other disabilities to be accepted, despite their aversions to specific subjects. Prior to this change, students that excelled all throughout Sixth Form could still be held back by bad O-level results; results that were simply due to a natural disability.

Throughout his three years on campus, Jacob proved that his obstacles did not define him. He confidently said that he achieved the goals he had set for himself; he studied and strived like any other student, and he did his assignments and exams and graduated. Jacob has also been an active student at heart throughout all his academic endeavours. He lamented the lack of a student council at his Secondary School and got on the SAC student council the first chance he had. University was his chance to thrive. At a point, Jacob was in two student organisations and two sub-committees, managing two other online platforms and also at the leader of Kris Bajada’s KSU Presidential Campaign. Fellow students would ask him how he copes, to which he never knew how to reply.

Jacob describes being on the spectrum as a double-edged sword with regards to student activism.

Whilst his condition makes him more prone to stress and procrastination, it also enables him to work harder since he knows he is pursuing something he is passionate about. “It means that I am doing what I love, that’s what’s important,” he said, “I know I’m trying my best to make a difference in my capacity as a student.”

Having excelled both on the academic and extra-curricular front, it may be difficult to pinpoint how Jacob’s condition factored into his university experience. Thankfully, there were never any forms of bigotry, Jacob admitted. Academic-wise, he never found any obstacles, as there were always many elements of understanding. The issues he came across lie wherein there is no understanding of the nature of autistic people. People on the spectrum cannot help the way they act, what they feel and who they are. “It’s something that can’t and shouldn’t be changed because it’s who they are,” Jacob said, “It’s what they are.”

Things like the social awkwardness, the missing of social cues, the struggle to engage in social situations and steer your way through conversations; these are the things that come with the condition. However, when coming across these behaviours, people simply tend to label the person as weird. Most times, when Jacob was open about his condition, his peers would be taken aback at the resolution. “Il-aħwa ma tidhirx” or “Ħsibtek minnek hekk” would be the usual replies.

The pandemic also shone a light on another deficiency brought about by his condition.

Jacob never really settled into the at-home environment. Keeping up with deadlines was difficult and online learning was difficult to adjust to. Not being In direct contact with his friends and people in general also kept him from working on his social skills and confidence. “I learned that social media and I don’t mix really well from certain aspects,” he confided. The whole experience aggravated Jacob’s anxiety and set back his mental health, as daily socialisation became a new hurdle to overcome. Points became harder to get across and explaining certain things suddenly became more of a complex process. UM was considerate from some aspects, Jacob said, with regards to mental health, however, they left much to be desired.

Nonetheless, a virtually submitted dissertation and several online exams later, Jacob is a fresh postgraduate student reading for a Master of Arts in European Politics, Economics and Law. He is eyeing a career which entails Diplomacy or Maltese politics and continues to advocate for students like him.

“Be yourself, don’t be ashamed of who you are, and fight for what you want”

The post Raising awareness through academia: Jacob’s experience | ATG appeared first on The Third Eye.

We often associate Pink October and women’s health with breast cancer awareness. However, a vital part of Movember is coming to terms with the hard fact that men’s health is too often neglected – by patients themselves and by the media. Keep reading to hear about why men’s health goes beyond a mere month…

Body image and eating disorders in men

For men, societal expectations about how men “should” behave and what masculinity is have been present throughout the eras. Purely by the depiction of gender health awareness, a moustache is a poster of advocating for men’s health. Strength, dominance, control, power are all but some words often used to describe men in literature and media.

Looking at psychiatric conditions such as eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binging, body dysmorphia, etc.), the mind often jumps to the female sex. The American eating disorder association says 10 million males will be affected by EDs in their lifetime.

Included in the ED criteria, is harmful ways of ‘bulking’. How many times have we seen an avid gym-goer chowing down their chicken and rice 7 times a day to bulk up? We must stop and think about the foreign supplements being put into the body.  Studies show that 22% of men turn to dangerous means to ‘bulk up’.

“Because of stigma and stereotypes, males often have a harder time being diagnosed and receiving treatment for an eating disorder,” says Lauren Smolar, director of programs at the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).

Men’s screening tools

Breast

Contrary to popular belief, men are susceptible to getting breast cancer (although not as common as in women). If a certain amount of risk criteria is met, (such as family history, gene mutations, chest radiation, etc) getting screened is important!

Men should become familiar with the feel of their breast and chest wall tissue, so they can talk with their doctor if they notice any lumps or changes. This might be slightly challenging, however, since they do not have large amounts of breast tissue. A doctor may recommend screening mammography for men with a genetic mutation that increases the risk of developing the disease.

Testicular

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15-34. When it comes to screening for testicular cancer, the tests are used to differentiate between the different types when a patient is asymptomatic. Most of the time, testicular cancer is found during an accidental ‘self-examination’ or a routine physical exam. Although extremely cureable, early detection is proclaimed important to avoid metastasization.

Pathologies that men are more susceptible to

Examinations of sex differences in disability and physical functioning ability generally show that men have better physical functioning and report less disability. Additionally, women tend to have more functional limitations though men have higher mortality rates.

Men are more likely to suffer from heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, whereas women are more likely to have arthritis and depression, and there is considerable variation between countries in the differences between the sexes.

Diseases that affect the immune system are often more severe in men. For example, multiple sclerosis affects many more women than men overall, but when it comes to the progressive form, men get it in equal numbers to women.

Nearly 55,000 more women than men have strokes each year in the U.S. Common symptoms are a sudden weakness on one side, loss of speech and balance, and confusion.

Men are far more likely to lose hair as they age than women. Some 40% of women will have hair thinning or hair loss, but 85% of men will have thinning hair by age 50. Men tend to lose hair in the same pattern — their hairline goes farther and farther back. (This is called a receding hairline.) They may also get a bald spot on the crown of their head.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are typically more common in females, though UTIs in males are more likely to arise from something that blocks their urine stream, like an enlarged prostate or kidney stones.

Mental health in men

Because of the aforementioned ‘men = strong’, mental health is pitifully neglected in the male population and too many male-gendered individuals suffer in silence. Being surrounded by phrases such as ‘take it like a man’ or ‘cry like a girl’, it is to no surprise that many men have been brought up in traditional surroundings in which they have had to suppress emotions.

Statistically, men are less likely to seek professional help for their mental health than women whilst also being less likely to disclose any information to family and friends.

Unfortunately, this creates a higher prevalence of turning to dangerous methods of coping mechanisms such as drinking and alcohol.

Because men who are depressed may appear to be angry or aggressive instead of sad, their families, friends, and even their doctors may not always recognize the anger or aggression as depression symptoms.  Sometimes mental health symptoms appear to be physical issues. For example, a racing heart, tightening chest, ongoing headaches, or digestive issues can be signs of a mental health problem. [true for both genders] Many men are more likely to see their doctor about physical symptoms than emotional symptoms.

If anyone reading this article can relate to any of the symptoms above, do not refrain from seeking professional help or calling the 179 national support line!

The post Yes, Movember is just as important as Pink October | MHSA appeared first on The Third Eye.

Performing a breast self-exam can be an important way to find breast cancer early, when it’s more likely to be treated successfully. While no single test can detect all breast cancers early, performing a breast self-exam in combination with other screening methods can increase the odds of early detection.

Performing a self-breast examination can be done by standing up in front of a mirror. Visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.

Look for any changes in the contour, any swelling, or dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles, as shown in the picture below. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women’s breasts do, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes, particularly on one side.

Breast cancer also affects men, though awareness isn’t addressed at the same level as in women. The picture below shows how a male may perform a self examination.

Mammography can detect tumors before they can be felt, so screening is key for early detection. When combined with regular medical care and appropriate guideline-recommended mammography, breast self-exams can help both men and women identify possible anomalies and then address their concerns.

During the month of October, the campaign of ‘Pink October’ helps to increase and support awareness, early detection, treatment and palliative care regarding breast cancer. You can support men and women affected by breast cancer by updating your Facebook profile picture by wearing pink and sharing your #PinkPose, volunteering or donating to an organisation and also by wearing a pink ribbon!

Have a feel around the breasticle area and when in doubt consult with a GP or Healthcare Professional.

The post Easy & Essential: Check Yourself! appeared first on The Third Eye.

KSU lit up Student House in blue to raise awareness on autism, as part of the Global ‘Light it Up Blue’ campaign. The event is part of the ‘Connect and Include’ campaign by KSU in collaboration with The Marigold Foundation, which is focused on accessibility and integration at the University of Malta.

Ms. Muscat expressed how before the stigma surrounding autism was much stronger than it is now. Since only few parents confessed to their children having autism, there was little help for them. The Marigold Foundation’s aim is to bring the autism awareness to a national level. This has led to a better support system for those with autism, with there being better cures and more accessibility.

One of the bigger successes of The Marigold Foundation was to make University a more accessible space. Before there was a language barrier, whilst now there are a lot of university students with the condition. In the hopes of making UM further accessible KSU with the help of Marigold will be converting a room in student house into a ‘Quiet Room’.

‘This is some concrete good for the students, a quiet area is one of the most difficult things to find on campus.’

Ms. Michelle Muscat

A bigger part of university is the independence that it gives students. Inconveniently timed lectures and a lot of travelling may deter autistic students from studying at University. That said, this ‘Quiet Room’ is a huge step towards offering autistic students this same independence, by making the campus more accessible.

Ms. Muscat continued that all this work is done to benefit the parents as well. ‘Apart from the usual challenges of a normal family,’ she said, ‘they have an extra challenge to cope with their growing children.’

The Marigold Foundation are continuing in their aim to make autism awareness a national concern. For the past five years an iconic Maltese location has been lit in blue for the cause. ‘By doing so we are proving we are fighting for this cause with the rest of the world,’ said Ms. Muscat. She continued that the final obstacle is Gozo, since she perceives that autism is still taboo on the sister island.

In fact, the coming week the Citadel, in Victoria is going to be lit up on 5th April. The Mdina Bastions will be lit up on 2nd April for World Autism Awareness Day.

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