Supportive environment termed key to reduce mental issues

PESHAWAR: Psychiatrists at a daylong long workshop on Thursday said that a supportive environment, open conversations and wellness programmes can reduce stress, anxiety and prevent mental illness issues.

The event was organized in connection with the World Mental Health Day at the Auditorium of Medical Teaching Institution (MIT) Bacha Khan Medical College (BKMC) Mardan. October 10 is designated as World Mental Health Day to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote mental well-being for all. The Psychiatry Unit of Mardan Medical Complex (MMC) had organized the workshop.

Prof Dr Shujat Ali Khan, head of department of Psychiatry Unit in Kohat Medical College, was the keynote speaker on the occasion.Other speakers included Prof Dr Ejaz Gul, in-charge Psychiatry Ward MMC, Associate Prof Dr Muhammad Muslim and Assistant Prof Dr Izaz Jamal Akhounzada. Dean/ Chief Executive Officer MTI Mardan Prof Dr Dr Amjad Ali was the chief guest on the occasion which was attended by faculty members, medical officers, house officers and students in a large number.

The speakers delivered detailed lectures on the importance of mental health and related issues. They said that celebrating the day was a reminder that mental health was just as important as physical health and together, society can help break the stigma surrounding it. They said that good mental health in the workplace was essential for productivity and well-being, adding a supportive environment, open conversations, and resources

like wellness programmers can reduce stress and prevent burnout and improve an individual and institutions performance and outcomes.

The speakers said that an inhospitable and unpleasant environment at the workplace can cause stress, depression and anxiety which lead to mental issues and affect individual performance and ultimately result in institutional decline and the financial losses were estimated to be hundreds of billions of dollars annually.They said that prioritizing mental health was beneficial both to the employees and organizational progress and smooth functioning and economy of any country.