60 civil servants attend USM workshop on managing stress

THE stigma on seeking help for mental health issues remains, noted a psychologist.

Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) Assoc Prof Dr Abdul Rashid Mohamad said stereotyping such people and branding them as having mental problems was not right.

He said those who seek professional help should be viewed positively.

“They don’t have mental problems, they just need a little push to improve themselves,” he said.

Dr Abdul Rashid, who is in USM’s Centre for Policy Research and International Studies (CenPRIS) and specialises in counselling, advised those who work in stressful environments to identify their strengths and abilities to manage stress positively.

He was speaking at a workshop for 60 personnel from the police, army, Fire and Rescue Services Department as well as state education and health departments.

The event was a tie-up between CenPRIS and the state police to increase awareness of stress management at work.

“When we hear about mental health, often, there is a negative connotation,” said CenPRIS director Assoc Prof Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk, adding that it was important to take care of one’s mental health.

Penang deputy police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Fisol Salleh said the police fully supported the programme as it was beneficial not only for them but also other agencies as well.

“I would say whatever job that we do, there would be stress.

“The issue is how we can learn to manage it,” he said.