Mental health is as important as physical health and is a vital aspect of overall well-being. Good mental health enables us to handle daily stress, make sound decisions, communicate effectively with others and contribute positively to our communities.
Clinical Psychologist/Head of Mental Health Strategy at Health Promotion Centre (HPC) Nor Syahmun binti Haji Matassan emphasised these points in her welcoming remarks at the closing ceremony of the Basic Mental Health Training Course for Community Leaders (Imams, Ustaz and Da’ie).
Nor Syahmun representing the co-organiser and co-chairperson of the ceremony, highlighted the importance of spiritual and faith aspects in improving mental health and well-being, especially for Muslims. She emphasised the unique approach of this course, which combines psychological and mental health methods, conventional therapy and counselling approaches, with Islamic perspectives, including the recitation of Al-Quran verses, prayers and zikir related to mental and emotional health.
This joint initiative by MoRA and MoH aligns with the Brunei Darussalam Mental Health Action Plan 2022-2025, specifically Strategy 3, which focuses on strengthening mental health promotion and preventing mental disorders.
The 20 participants selected for the course are expected to serve as frontline mental health support providers and ambassadors within their communities. Nor Syahmun expressed gratitude for their dedication and hard work throughout the 12-week course, which involved balancing their existing responsibilities with course attendance and additional tasks. She also congratulated the participants on their excellent performance in the final assessment.
Religious Development Officer at the Islamic Da’wah Centre (PDI) Pengiran Haji Jufri bin Pengiran Haji Hidup shared his experience as a participant.
The course exposed participants to counselling techniques, Islamic psychology and discussions on integrated scientific and medical treatments. It also included practical training through role-playing. During the first week of the course, participants engaged in a familiarisation session conducted by the Psychiatric Services Department, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital and received briefings from officers at the Mental Health Strategy Unit, HPC, Counselling and Religious Understanding Unit (KAFA), Department of Syariah Affairs and PDI.
This basic training course, initiated by both ministries, aligns with 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’s directives on mental health, as expressed in several of His Majesty’s titahs.
Beyond contributing to the Brunei Darussalam Mental Health Action Plan 2022-2025, the course aims to increase awareness and knowledge of mental health prevention and management among imams, ustaz, ustazah and certified Da’ie; promote the importance of emotional and mental well-being from an Islamic perspective; reduce stigma and negative views towards mental health; and promote mental health and well-being services available in the country.
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman attended the ceremony, held at Dar Al-Intishar, Jerudong Sports Complex as guest of honour. Permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries and senior officers from the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) and Ministry of Health (MoH) were also present.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat. – Lyna Mohamad
