KARACHI: Speakers at a programme held on 11th October underscored the urgent need for prioritising mental health, especially at workplaces, where people spend a significant part of their day.
Held at Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) in connection with the World Mental Health Day, the event was jointly organised by the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) in collaboration with the Continuing Medical Education (CME) of the JSMU.
This year, the day has been dedicated to the theme “Mental Health Care at the Workplace”.
In his speech, JSMU Vice Chancellor Prof Amjad Siraj Memon referred to the global data on mental health according to which one in four people developed a mental or behavioural disorder at some point in his or her life.
“Every 40 seconds someone dies by suicide. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need to prioritise mental health, especially at workplaces, where individuals spend a significant part of their time,” he said.
Sharing concern over an acute shortage of rehab facilities for psychiatric patients in the city, he said experts must come forward and play their role in providing quality treatment and care to those patients.
Dr Chuni Lal, heading the psychiatry ward at the JPMC, in his remarks explained how a healthier lifestyle helped tackle depression, anxiety and stress.
“A positive attitude and healthy lifestyle are crucial for success in both personal and professional fronts. This includes engaging in regular physical activity that helps reduce stress and anxiety.”
Prof Iqbal Khan Afridi stated that harassment and bullying at the workplace negatively impacted workers’ mental health, leading to a decline in productivity.
He stressed that it’s imperative for employers and other stakeholders to build a healthy and conducive work environment in order to improve mental health and boost productivity among employees.
The experts also pointed out that the impact of mental illnesses on the economy was huge, but it remained unaccounted for in many countries.
Dr Rahat Naz, heading the CME, emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts between institutions like the JSMU and JPMC to raise awareness, provide support and implement effective strategies for promoting mental well-being among the employees.
Other attendees, including JSMU Registrar Dr Azam Khan, Dr Nighat Shah and Sindh Bar Council vice chairman Kashif Hanif, expressed their commitment to addressing the pressing issue of mental health at the workplace.
Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2024