Some 17.6 per cent of public servants experienced symptoms of depression, according to a survey of 262 Brunei government workers in 2020.
Additionally, 27.7 per cent experienced symptoms of anxiety and 35.4 per cent reported feeling burnout at the workplace.
Clinical psychologist and head of mental health strategy at the Health Promotion Centre Nor Syahmun binti Haji Matassan shared the statistics at the ‘Mental Health and Well-Being at Work – One Basic Right’ roadshow at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) held in conjunction with World Mental Health Day yesterday.
Nor Syahmun said the Ministry of Health (MoH) is planning several initiatives and programmes with the public sector and non-government bodies to encourage the whole community to play a role in ensuring the right to good mental health for all as well as empower the society with knowledge to take suitable action in the Sultanate.
She added that the efforts are in line with objectives of the Brunei Darussalam Mental Health Action Plan 2022-2025 launched in 2022. Among the measures is to have a programme that focuses on mental health in the workplace on a rotating basis at each ministry.
Nor Syahmun said according to the World Health Organization, one in eight individuals suffers from mental illness impacting physical health, well-being, relationship with others and income.
She added that mental health problems among children and teenagers are also increasing, stemming from financial problems caused by uncertain global economy, work-life imbalance, abuse and bullying. Like those suffering from physical diseases, professional treatment and support from family and partners, those with mental illness can be given treatment and encouragement to reach a good level of mental health.
Brunei, along with other countries, commemorates World Mental Health Day on October 10 and 2023’s theme is ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right’.
Nor Syahmun said the theme focuses on combating stigma by increasing knowledge on mental health.
She believes stigma or prejudice, including those related to mental health services and people with mental illness, is one of the biggest obstacles for sufferers to seek treatment. The roadshow, with 200 participants from the PMO, saw two sharing sessions by psychologist Nurhanisah binti Haji Zulkifli and assistant counsellor at the Prisons Department Fariszal bin Ali. – James Kon
