Sustain mental health at work to initiate better relations

 

MENTAL health plays a crucial role in daily life and is essential for building better relationships, especially in the workplace. In Myanmar, a predominantly Buddhist country, it is believed that the mind governs all actions, and mental activities influence every physical and verbal process. A healthy mind fosters positive feelings like compassion and affection toward others, helping individuals develop an optimistic outlook on life.

To achieve this, it is important that everyone strives to maintain a clean and innocent mind. When people purify their minds, their actions and words naturally become more genuine and virtuous. Those who nurture a healthy mental state find it easier to avoid negative behaviours and work more happily in their professional lives. As a result, individuals with good mental health tend to perform better and can complete their tasks and goals with greater ease.

World Mental Health Day, celebrated on 10 October each year, seeks to raise global awareness about mental health issues and inspire actions to improve mental well-being. Since its inception in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), which includes over 150 countries, this day has served as a platform for professionals and organizations to prioritize mental health.

The theme for 2024, “Mental Health at Work”, focuses on the crucial link between mental health and workplace environments. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), healthy and safe workplaces can serve as protective factors for mental well-being. On the other hand, harmful conditions like stigma, discrimination, harassment, and poor working environments pose significant risks to mental health, affecting both quality of life and job performance.

Given that 60 per cent of the global population is employed, urgent measures are needed to safeguard mental health in the workplace. Ensuring that work environments prevent mental health risks and offer adequate support is a crucial step towards fostering a mentally healthy workforce.

The United Nations System Mental Health and Well-being Strategy for 2024 and Beyond aims to create such supportive work environments. This initiative provides a roadmap for building inclusive and sustainable workplaces where mental health and well-being are integral to the organizational culture. The strategy focuses on preventing workplace risks to mental health, promoting well-being, and offering support to employees with mental health conditions. Ultimately, the goal is to create a work culture that values mental health as much as productivity and success.

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