Everyone is urged to take action on how to support their own mental health, as well as that of students, family, friends, and colleagues, whether in classrooms, at work, at home, or in communities.
“Let’s encourage everyone to open conversations about mental health by fostering an environment where such discussions are normalised, creating a more compassionate nation where people feel empowered to seek help and be part of society,” said Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Dean of Student Affairs Dr Mursidi bin Haji Ali during the ‘ENDxiety: Halt the Storm’ forum at the Pro Chancellor Arts Centre, UBD yesterday.
“The Sultanate is still facing an increasing number of mental health issues over the years. In a recent titah during the Knowledge Convention, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, highlighted the importance of collaborative measures and efforts to manage and promote mental health awareness in the country. Today’s forum is timely, as it will provide a supportive space for sharing, learning, and advocating for better mental health care,” said Dr Mursidi.
On the forum’s topic, ‘ENDxiety’, he said, “It is a critical issue that deserves our attention and understanding as it resonates with many of us, especially students.”
He added, “Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but for many, it can be overwhelming. When anxiety becomes excessive and unmanageable, it can interfere with our mental health. It can impact anyone, regardless of age or background, leading to feelings of isolation and distress.
“Understanding and recognising symptoms of anxiety are crucial for developing effective coping strategies, yet it is often misunderstood or ignored. In reality, many people, including students, struggle with anxiety. But they suffer in silence due to fear of being stigmatised or discriminated against.
“At UBD, anxiety has become one of the leading causes of students seeking help through our counselling unit. This should not be a surprise, as international literature has shown that approximately one in five adults experiences anxiety disorders.”
The forum, held in conjunction with World Mental Health Day 2024, was organised by the Counselling and Diverse Learning Needs (CDLearN) Unit under the Student Affairs Section of Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, in collaboration with the UBD Student Representative Council.
The panellists were Special Duties Officer Level II and Head of Counselling and Religious Understanding of the Syariah Affairs Department under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Head of Psychiatric Services Department of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital Pengiran Dr Hajah Fariza Suryani binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani and Clinical Psychologist Nor Syahmun binti Haji Matassan under the Ministry of Health.
The forum was moderated by UBD nursing lecturer, Assistant Professor Dr Deeni Rudita bin Idris.
UBD Assistant Vice-Chancellor (University Life and Governance) Hajah Maudena binti Haji Abdul Hamid was the guest of honour.
The forum aimed to raise awareness and prepare students, as well as public servants, on how to identify and manage anxiety through knowledge and effective techniques.
It also sought to encourage community support and reduce stigma surrounding anxiety by instilling open discussions among family members, workplaces, and the community. – James Kon
