Ting (front third left) in a group photo flanked by Nurshakila and STU Sarawak president Macky Joseph.
MIRI: The Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) is working closely with the Psychiatry and Mental Health Department to offer counselling to teachers who need help.
STU Miri chairwoman Nurshakila Shima Abdullah said teachers face many obstacles at school due to reasons that include the education system.
“At times, the pressure becomes unbearable that eventually it becomes mental stress. Hence, STU Miri would try to plan for activities, by collaborating with other agencies such as the Health Department and Pustaka Miri, offering avenues for its members to get help,” she said during the STU Miri, Subis, and Baram Health Workshop yesterday.
“We intend to continue this collaboration as our way to support and assist our members to get help when they need it. STU also works closely with other agencies, participating in various activities, as our way to encourage our members to become active and sociable.”
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, who officiated at the event, said teachers often face stressors that could cause detrimental effects on physical and mental health.
“Therefore it is important to learn how to relief the stressors, look for someone to talk to, learn to unwind the pressure through social activities. I believe that by staying active and socialising with others, it could help to ease the mental stress,” he said.
“To be professional in their job doesn’t mean that they have to neglect their own health and mental well-being. Instead, take good care of your own health, and get help when help is needed.”