According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in eight individuals suffer from a mental illness that affects their physical health, well-being, relationships with others and their source of income, Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar said.
“Mental health problems among children and teenagers are also increasing from year to year,” the minister added.
“Among the reasons that contribute to this issue include financial problems due to the uncertain global economic situation, work-life imbalance, and abuse and bullying in the workplace.”
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said this during a mental health symposium at Al-’Afiah Hall, Ministry of Health to mark World Mental Health Day yesterday. He said to ensure equal dissemination in the workplace, each ministry will have the opportunity to host a mental health programme each month.
Such programmes are important because, according to the WHO, an estimated 15 per cent of working people experience mental disorder at any given time.
The minister said, “Psychological first aid training will be held for the first time in the Sultanate by the Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society. This training is an evidence-based approach based on the concept of human resilience.”
The minister added that according to international studies, spiritual health can bring benefits and help mental as well as physical health.
“In fact, holistic treatment, which is an integrated treatment without neglecting physical, social, mental and spiritual aspects by using evidence-based methods is included in the recommended approach.”
He also said a committee has been established to explore related issues requiring attention as well as services that can be strengthened to prevent and control the early symptoms of mental health disorders and at the same time, to further improve the delivery of treatment that holistic adapted to the health care context in the Sultanate.
The minister said this year’s theme also focuses on combating stigma by increasing awareness of mental health issues.
“Stigma about mental health issues, including prejudices relating to mental health services and people with mental illness, is one of the biggest barriers to someone coming forward to receive treatment,” he said.
“There are some who choose to keep their condition a secret in fear or shame, which are sometimes more painful to go through than the mental illness itself.” – Azlan Othman
