“Psychological First Aid Kit” in the works to address mental health issues at work
Some good news for all the burnt out and overworked Malaysian’s out there!
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) is working on measures to address mental health issues in the workplace.
The “Psychological First Aid” module, as it’s called, would serve as a guide to help companies identify and assist those suffering from mental health issues in the office, so they would be able to seek the appropriate help that they’d need.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes workplace stress as an individual’s response to the burdens and anxiety resulting from the demands and pressures at work.
This is often worsened when employees feel that they do not have the proper support from supervisors and colleagues, as well as little control over work processes.
With the development of the module, Niosh aims to provide a holistic solution to aid both workers and bosses to actively engage mental health problems in the ever stressful working environment.
“Ultimately, Niosh wants to produce employers and workers who are able to assist and refer problematic workers to counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists so that they can get proper treatment.â€
Niosh Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye via Malaysiakini
The development of the program will be done in collaboration with the Health Ministry and several other private institutions, as well as universities.
Niosh had previously warned that neglect of mental and psychological problems at the workplace can lead to serious consequences as it not only affects individuals and organizations but also their pockets.
Malaysia has seen a three-fold increase in mental health issues in the last 20 years.
The 2017 National Health and Morbidity Survey notes that 29% of Malaysians suffer from depression and anxiety disorders.
But these problems are treatable through early detection and it’s never too late to seek out help.
For those who need it, the University Malaya Hospital (UMMC) psychiatric clinic is open to the public without the need for any referrals or official letters from doctors!
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