Prioritising mental health in the workplace

Oct 18, 2024

By Elvina Fernandez/AMHM
The Archdiocesan Mental Health Ministry (AMHM) in collaboration with Bethany Counselling Centre hosted a workshop in conjunction with World Mental Health Day 2025, with the theme It’s Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace. The event held at the Church of St Ignatius drew over 350 participants from various walks of life, all united by a common commitment to the well-being of individuals in professional settings.

The event commenced with an opening prayer by Fr Philip Chua, the ecclesiastical assistant for AMHM, setting a tone of reflection and compassion. Participants also watched a short video message from Archbishop Julian Leow highlighting the paramount importance of mental health in today's fast-paced world. “It is very important for all of us to prioritise mental health, especially in the post-pandemic era,” he said while highlighting the various stages of depression individuals might encounter and the necessity for sustained support and understanding.

Officiating at the event alongside Fr Philip was Archbishop Wojciech Zaluski, Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia together with clergy from the Church of St Ignatius, Frs Thomas Koo, CDD and Fr Martin Then, CDD.

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Archbishop Wojciech emphasised that the focus at workplaces should not solely be on increasing productivity but honouring the dignity of every individual, who is created in the image of God.

“As children of God, we are called to love one another, and part of this love involves creating supportive work environments. This includes promoting work-life balance, providing counselling, and encouraging individuals to set boundaries and practice self-care.”

He added that with increased workloads and constant pressure to perform, many employees find themselves wearing multiple hats, affecting their personal and family lives. The pandemic further highlighted the necessity of such discussions, as isolation and depression became prevalent issues. “We must strive to create a space where people feel supported, cared for, and free to speak up,” he said.

He reiterated that the mental health crisis in workplaces cannot be overlooked. “The time has come to prioritise and invest in our well-being, ensuring that work environments nurture both body and soul.”

A host of educational and interesting activities and workshops catering to a wide range of mental health topics were organised in conjunction with the event. Therapists specialising in music therapy, laughter yoga, sand play therapy, expressive art play, and card play conducted experiential booths that offered attendees hands-on experience in creative methods for managing stress, improving emotional balance, and enhancing mental well-being. The workshop was a nexus of innovation, featuring experimental booths and a comprehensive exhibition. The session delved into the profound impact of workplace mental health on daily lives.

One notable session was A Practical Guide to Building Resilience in Children and Youth conducted by Dr Gerard Louis, CEO of HELP University. Dr Gerard eloquently articulated the importance of resilience, highlighting that behind every statistic lies a life impacted by displacement and the mental health challenges that accompany it.

“Change is the only constant, and adapting to it is crucial, such as when faced with the loss of loved ones or significant life changes. We must teach our children how to face these changes and handle stress as they grow into young adults entering the workforce.”

Dr Gerard also shared alarming data from the United Nations about the prevalence of post-traumatic stress and depression among children, exacerbated by today’s changing climate and constant stressors.

Another session by Eric Brian Amaladas, director of CAREERsense at Help University, life coach, and counsellor, titled Recognising the Red Flags of Psychological Distress, provided crucial insights into mental health awareness.

Brian highlighted that presentism, where employees are physically present but mentally disengaged, is more dangerous than absenteeism. He pointed out red flags such as decreased motivation, withdrawal, irritability, and mood swings.

“It is important for us to reflect on our emotional states compared to a year ago and identify any significant changes.” He stressed the need for resilience, learning to manage stress through time management, setting boundaries, and maintaining a positive outlook on life.

“Take a step back every month and evaluate when your busy weeks are. Now, do all your chores, such as groceries and running errands over the weekend for that week, to keep your weekdays on that busy week solely to focus on the important work project. And be sure to tell your family and friends that you should not be interrupted.”

This, he said, will help individuals have a grip on their lives, and that is self-care, not only pampering sessions as commonly understood. He also emphasised on the importance of emotional fitness: “It is normal to experience down days, but it is crucial to bounce back and not remain in a negative state.

Dr Nicole Chen delivered the final plenary talk, shedding light on the importance of building resilience in both family and workplace settings. She focused on the profound impact and consequence from the pressures of modern life, including feelings of disconnection and being overwhelmed, which can affect both personal and professional relationships. She further underscored the importance of self-discovery, aligning actions with core values, and embracing adaptability at different life stages, along with the need to create resilient environments at home and at work, where emotional well-being is prioritised and vulnerability is not only accepted, but embraced. Her talk also offered the attendees practical strategies to strengthen relationships and cultivate mental resilience.

In his closing speech, Fr Philip expressed deep gratitude to the participants, speakers, and volunteers for making the event a resounding success. He underscored the importance of advancing the mental health agenda in line with AMHM’s mission. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the event’s insightful talks, diverse topics, and interactive activities.

This year’s World Mental Health Day event highlighted the urgent need to prioritise mental health in the workplace, family life, and personal well-being. Engaging workshops and thought-provoking discussions marked another significant step forward in fostering supportive environments. With AMHM’s 10th anniversary approaching, anticipation is already building for next year’s event. The ministry remains committed to raising awareness and making mental well-being a shared priority across communities.