‘Workers must raise issues that bug them to their bosses’
KUALA LUMPUR: Suicidal thoughts, palpitations, increased heartbeat and cold shivers.
These are symptoms of mental health problems experienced by Malaysians in the job market.
An expert studying the trend said a majority of wage earners were grappling with the symptoms triggered by, among others, multiple work commitments, incompetence, unsupportive coworkers and unfair employers.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) psychologist and criminologist Dr Geshina Ayu Mat Saat said workers would develop chronic stress if their issues were not resolved speedily.
“Sudden changes in responsibilities, conflict with colleagues, work hazards and unsafe working conditions are also contributing to the development of mental health issues.
“From a physiological perspective, extremely long working hours are unhealthy as it directly impacts cognitive ability, motor skills, judgment abilities, communication and physical health.
“The symptoms of work-related stress varies and they can be identified through the workers’ physical and emotional condition, the way they socialise, as well as their performance,” she said
Women, Family and Community Development director-general Datuk Yatimah Sarjiman said workers should not hesitate to seek counselling when facing stress.
“We at the ministry always encourage workers to visit the Women’s Development Department (JPW) to get treatment from professional counsellors.
“If their stress issues are prolonged, their wellbeing may be badly affected”.
Yatimah also said workers must bring up the issues that were causing stress at the workplace to the attention of their bosses so they could be resolved.
“I believe employers want the best for their employees, so discussion between these two parties is essential,” she said.
The Human Resources Ministry had introduced the Health Security Programme under the Social Security Organisation
(Socso), where insured workers could seek free treatment for their mental health problems.
The ministry had set up a panel of 36 doctors nationwide for Malaysian workers to seek counselling if they needed help in coping with depression.