Author: Izwana binti Ismail K.B,P.A

Recently we were shocked by the news of a policeman shooting his wife. Apart from the news, there are several other tragic stories that have shocked our country. When investigated, it was found that they experienced stress at work. Perhaps many of us are still unaware of the importance of mental health in the workplace to create a safe, conducive and productive atmosphere. In fact, this matter is very important because many experts have warned that mental illness will become the second biggest health problem in Malaysia after heart disease.

 

This problem becomes more complicated when the lack of exposure of knowledge related to the dangers of this disease in the community causes many people to choose not to seek treatment or only treat it traditionally.

 

Nowadays, there is indeed a significant increase in problems related to emotional stress in the workplace. The increase is due to the increasingly challenging life pressure, especially in the big cities.

 

It should be noted that stressed workers will not only slow down productivity, but also contribute to increased accident and injury rates at work. Thus, it will also threaten the safety and harmony of the family.

 

Therefore, addressing work stress and psychosocial risks should be part of safety and health strategies to reduce accidents and injuries at work.

 

There are many contributing factors to stress in the workplace such as extreme workload, problems or conflicts among employees, lack of support from superiors, weaknesses in the organization itself and also lack of confidence in the future.

 

The situation is made worse when employers and management also deny the right of employees to find a balance between work and life. Thus, it is important for every organization to devise a plan to reduce stress by providing a healthy work environment.

 

Depression is believed to be the main cause of mental illness and lately, the media has reported many cases of suicide, self-injury or others. Chronic depression, which is caused by life stress, can cause patients to experience hallucinations and the desire to injure or kill themselves, if not treated immediately.

 

The act of isolating the mentally ill will worsen the patient's condition. Don't put them aside because they are sick but help them to find themselves with the help of treatment and taking the appropriate medicine. This disease takes several months to three years to show changes in the patient's thinking, emotions and behavior.

 

Indeed, the focus and investment for the mental and emotional health of employees will definitely give positive returns in the future because they are able to create a workforce that is mentally and physically healthy and productive.

Date of Input: 30/08/2023 | Updated: 30/08/2023 | ayna