Many Maltese still consider people suffering from mental health problems as posing some kind of threat to society.

A Eurobarometer survey published this week in Brussels reveals that the stigma which mental health illnesses carry in Malta is still very pronounced, at least when compared to the trend in the other EU member states.

According to the survey findings, 50 per cent of Maltese respondents still consider people suffering from mental health problems to constitute a danger to others. This contrasts with the prevailing situation in the rest of the EU where only 37 per cent share the same opinion.

On the other hand, the survey, conducted by Misco at the beginning of this year, shows that Malta has the least sufferers of mental health illnesses in the EU, although this may reflect the stigma linked to such a condition.

When asked to state whether they had suffered from any psychological or emotional illness over the previous 12 months, only nine per cent of respondents answered in the affirmative. This is the lowest level in the EU 25 where the average stands at 13 per cent.

Out of those who admitted to suffering from mental health problems, five per cent said they were taking medication, three per cent were attending psychotherapy and one per cent was admitted to hospital during the previous year.

For the Maltese, family members remain the most trusted people when seeking help due to mental illnesses. Fifty-eight per cent said they would first seek help or advice from a member of their family followed by 14 per cent who said they will speak to a friend. Sixty-three per cent said they would also consult a medical practitioner.

The Eurobarometer survey was published by the European Commission together with a report on a consultation process about a Green Paper on mental health issued last year. Most respondents called for an EU mental health strategy to foster mental health prevention and promotion and combat stigma.

Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou said that the importance of mental health needs to be better recognised. "Good mental health of the population is a precondition for the EU's success in the knowledge economy. The situation of those with mental health problems is an indicator of the level of inclusiveness of EU societies," he said.

The Commission is expected to start formulating its final policy document on the issue.