Trust Yourself to Talk

2020

Trust Yourself to Talk

Agenzija Zghazagh launched its Mental Health Online Campaign ‘Trust Yourself to Talk – Anxiety, is this you?’.  The campaign aimed to help break down stigma, whilst encouraging young people to seek assistance and attain reliable information for professional services and support that surrounds mental health.

The campaign was developed by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ in collaboration with the Commissioner of Mental Health in Malta, following a focus group study which involved young people from different walks of life. The young people were asked to bring forward factors which they believe are affecting the well-being of youth, whilst giving them the floor to express their suggestions and opinions of what is needed and what could aid the young people who are experiencing mental health problems.

‘Trust Yourself to Talk – Anxiety, is this you?’  featured four different audio-visual productions (both in Maltese and English) on the prime-time television, different artworks which were displayed on bus shelters, websites and social media. The campaign, which was featured during the month of November, took a public health approach that resulted in enhancing mental health literacy and encourage help-seeking attitudes. The campaign also established a more robust networking system between Aġenzija Żgħażagħ and other service providers, since the youth information officer was acquiring information and referring the young people to valuable services.

Many of the calls and messages received showed a willingness to access information to receive the particular support service they required.  Moreover, the ‘Trust Yourself to Talk – Anxiety, is this you?’, attracted more young people towards the Youth Information Centre.