AKRAB Can Help Civil Servants In Tackling Mental Health Issues - Melaka AKRAB Chairman

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- The Public Service Counselling Associates (AKRAB) can assist civil servants in tackling mental health issues, including emotional stress, said Melaka AKRAB chairman Imran Borhan.

He said AKRAB allows individuals to share their experiences and feelings and receive moral support.

"This is one way for them to express their feelings, relieve stress, and communicate what is happening to them before taking further steps (as needed), whether they need psychiatric treatment or other support.

"We help people to address their problems according to our capabilities and will refer to psychiatrists if necessary…this can contribute to the productivity of a department because civil servants are an asset. If they have issues, it affects the department as well," he said.

He spoke to reporters after today's visit by the Melaka State Government AKRAB and State Health Department to Wisma Bernama, here.

AKRAB was established to produce work associates who help foster a positive work culture by offering training and activities to enhance mental well-being and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues among public servants.

Melaka Chief Minister's Department psychology officer Azlina Johan shared that she had conducted numerous interventions with public servants experiencing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, especially post-COVID-19 pandemic.

"My experience during these interventions they showed positive changes. When we hold programmes or interventions, InsyaAllah they can recover," she said.

On Oct 1, the Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said over 40,000 civil servants in the country are at risk of experiencing psychological health issues that require immediate interventions to prevent mental disorders.

-- BERNAMA