Azlan Othman
Anxiety disorder, depression, paranoia, difficulty making decisions, sleep deprivation or oversleeping, changes in physical appearance, and misuse of drugs are some of the signs of a mental health issue.
This was highlighted during a mental health forum organised by the Islamic Studies Department yesterday for the teaching workforce of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The panellists urged to look for symptoms to prevent mental health problems and to seek counsel if needed. Parents were also encouraged to call Health Line 145 for mental health advice. The panellists also said finding the root cause of the issue is one way of overcoming stress at home or in school.
“Religiously, one should go for religious practice to overcome such situations, like greeting with ‘salam ‘before entering a house and to recite Doa as ways to overcome mental health issues,” they said.
Participants also raised issues relating to negativity in the workplace that lead to anxiety.
Panellists comprised officers from the Ministry of Health, including a psychologist from the Community Psychology Division at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital Fauziyyah Hanani binti Haji Abdul Manap; clinical psychologist Nur Syahmun binti Haji Matassan; and psychologist from the Health Promotion Centre Siti Nadzirah binti Haji Abdullah.
The panellists were counsellor at the Counselling Service Division of the Public Service Department Dr Mohammad Adi Zaky bin Haji Matasim, and assistant senior professor at the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) Dr Harapandi bin Dahri.
Acting Assistant Director (Professional) at Islamic Studies Department Haji Ayop bin Haji Ghani and Assistant Director (Education Institute) at Islamic Studies Department Hajah Mariana binti Haji Jamil were the chief guests.
The forum at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Girls Arabic Secondary Religious School aims to enhance knowledge and awareness amongst the teaching workforce on mental health issues.
