Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1547312
FROM mental health and finan- cial pressures to traffic conges- tion and urban development, the country faces growing ques- tions about what progress really means for its people. Economic growth alone can- not determine whether people are living better lives. Mental health, family relationships, fi- nancial security and access to public spaces are equally im- portant in assessing the coun- try's overall quality of life. The pressures of modern life are increasingly difficult to ig- nore. Long working hours, dai- ly commutes, rising household responsibilities and limited leisure time can leave people struggling to balance profes- sional and personal commit- ments. A country cannot claim progress without considering the cost that development plac- es on the everyday lives of its residents. Mental health is a particularly important part of this discus- sion. Malta recorded 19 sui- cide deaths during the first six months of 2026, 18 involving men, according to figures cited by the President of Malta at a mental health conference. Each death represents a personal tragedy. The figures highlight the need to pay particular at- tention to men's mental health and the difficulties some may experience in expressing emo- tional distress or seeking sup- port. These challenges under- line the importance of tackling stigma, encouraging open con- versations about mental health and ensuring that professional support is accessible to every- one who needs it. Malta's first National Suicide Prevention Strategy for 2026– 2031, launched in March, rep- resents an important step. Its effectiveness will depend on implementation, adequate re- sources and measurable re- sults. Regular public reporting on progress, shorter waiting times, early intervention and continuity of care following a crisis are essential to ensure that commitments translate in- to meaningful support. Wellbeing is also closely con- nected to how people spend their time. National Statistics Office figures for 2023 record- ed average satisfaction with personal relationships at 8.6 out of 10, compared with 6.7 for satisfaction with the use of time. The difference raises questions about how people balance their daily responsibili- ties with the time they have for family, relationships and activ- ities beyond work. Traffic congestion is one of the practical challenges af- fecting this balance. Time lost travelling to and from work can reduce opportunities for fam- ily life, exercise and social in- teraction. Urban development raises similar questions. Con- struction can provide housing and employment, but Malta must also protect the character and aesthetics of its localities, as well as accessible green and public spaces. Parks and open areas provide opportunities for exercise, relaxation and so- cial interaction. They are not unnecessary extras to be con- sidered once development is complete; they are an essential part of healthy communities. Decisions on how Malta's lim- ited land is used must reflect this reality. Financial security is another essential element of quality of life. The NSO's 2025 EU-SILC survey found that 19.4% of the population covered by the sur- vey was at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Meanwhile, 18.7% reported being unable to afford an unexpected ex- pense of around €950 in their household. These figures re- mind us that economic growth does not automatically trans- late into financial security. For households struggling to meet everyday expenses or cope with an unexpected bill, national economic performance can feel very distant from their person- al reality. Young people also need sup- port as they navigate academic expectations, social media and changing social relationships. Schools and families can help build emotional resilience, but communities must also provide opportunities for participation in sport, culture, volunteering and other activities that en- courage belonging. Social con- nections remain important at every stage of life, particularly for people who may experience loneliness or isolation. Social connection is equal- ly important. A 2025 World Health Organization report estimated that around one in six people worldwide experi- ences loneliness. Although this is not a Malta-specific figure, it highlights the importance of meaningful relationships and supportive communities. Be- ing surrounded by people or connected through technolo- gy does not necessarily mean feeling understood or support- ed. Creating opportunities for people to connect and partici- pate in community life should therefore be considered an im- portant part of promoting well- being. Addressing these challenges requires a broader approach to policymaking. Mental health services must be accessible, prevention programmes must be evaluated for their effective- ness, and decisions on trans- port and development should take account of their impact on quality of life. Clear, publicly available, indicators can help determine whether policies are delivering meaningful im- provements. Economic growth remains important to Malta's future, but it should serve a wider pur- pose. It's not just a question of by how much the economy is growing but what kind of life it is creating for our people. The real challenge is to create a country where people have the opportunity to genuinely enjoy their life rather than sim- ply up with it. 10 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 OCTOBER 2026 OPINION Quality of life must become a priority in Malta's development Annabelle Cilia Opposition Assistant Whip and spokesperson for employment The real challenge is to create a country where people have the opportunity to genuinely enjoy their life rather than simply up with it Wellbeing is also closely connected to how people spend their time. (File Photo)