Researchers from New York University analyzed over 100 studies on public policies related to suicide prevention and found that three categories of policies can reduce suicide rates: limiting access to means of suicide, increasing access to mental health services, and addressing underlying risk factors such as poor wages and unemployment. The strongest evidence suggests that improving economic security, limiting access to alcohol, and restricting access to lethal means of suicide are effective in preventing suicides. Laws requiring a waiting period for gun purchases were found to be moderately effective at preventing suicides, particularly among young people.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/lifestyles/health/the-public-policies-that-really-help-prevent-suicide/article_d499c487-17f7-5276-9a45-d4378e082d89.htmlA recent study by recruitment firm Robert Walters found that 72% of Gen Z workers prefer advancing in individual contributor roles over middle management due to the stress associated with the latter. This trend, dubbed 'conscious unbossing', reflects a generation prioritizing personal fulfillment and work-life balance over traditional corporate hierarchies. Many young professionals like Radwa are opting for entrepreneurial ambitions alongside their careers, while others like Ahmed are concerned about the mental health implications of taking on management roles. A global study by Capterra found that 75% of millennial managers report feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and burned out, contributing to Gen Z's reluctance to pursue leadership positions. As a result, hiring experts like Lisa Handschuh note that Gen Z tends to shy away from managerial roles, valuing work-life balance and mental health more than previous generations.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/jobs/conscious-unbossing-why-most-gen-z-employees-dont-want-managerial-rolesThe Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has taken steps to address mental health issues among its personnel. The force has implemented a series of measures including daily "briefing-debriefing" sessions, an online grievance portal, and 24x7 tele-counselling services. A comprehensive mental health study was conducted in collaboration with AIIMS, New Delhi, which found that two-thirds of personnel grievances were related to posting matters affecting their personal life. In response, the CISF notified a new HR policy in December 2024 to ensure better work-life balance through choice-based postings, particularly catering to the needs of working women, married couples and personnel nearing retirement.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cisf-sees-40-decline-in-deaths-among-its-personnel/article69054268.eceThe Indonesian Health Ministry is working to improve the country's mental healthcare infrastructure by 2025, aiming for 50 percent of community health centers (puskesmas) to provide essential mental health services. Currently, only 40 percent of puskesmas offer these services, with a disproportionate distribution across regions. The ministry plans to increase this number to 70 percent in 2026 and is addressing challenges such as the limited availability of mental health professionals by training one million people as first-aiders through the First Aid for Psychological Wounds (P3LP) initiative. Additionally, the ministry has emphasized that regional governments are responsible for acquiring necessary medications, including five essential drugs, such as haloperidol decanoate, which is used to treat schizophrenia.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/338056/govt-targets-50-pct-puskesmas-offering-mental-health-support-by-2025?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_rightPakistan is facing a growing mental health crisis among its youth, with insufficient facilities and affordable counselling services available. Laiba Noor emphasizes that urgent policy changes and initiatives are needed to address this issue. Educational institutions can play a crucial role by introducing mental health awareness programs and counselling services on campus. Public campaigns are also necessary to reduce stigma around mental health discussions, allowing for open conversations about the issue.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1260978-silent-crisisSenator Bong Go welcomed the signing of Republic Act 12080, a law that mandates the establishment of school-based mental health programs in the Philippines. The law was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on December 9, aiming to promote the mental health and well-being of students.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/12/11/news/national/go-lauds-mental-health-legislation/2019409A recent pilot program conducted by the nonprofit organization 4 Day Week Global found that nearly 90% of workers who participated in a four-day workweek trial wanted to continue with this arrangement. The participants reported improved work-life balance, reduced stress levels and better physical and mental health as benefits of the shorter workweek. This finding is significant given Singapore's recent introduction of guidelines requiring companies to consider employee requests for flexible work arrangements, including four-day workweeks and staggered hours.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2024/12/09/japan-tokyo-four-day-workweek/3281733801059/President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law three new measures, including the Agricultural Tariffication Act (RA 12078), the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Refund for Non-Resident Tourists (RA 12079), and the Basic Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (RA 12080).
https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/12/09/news/marcos-signs-laws-on-tourism-agriculture-education/2018151Singapore's Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) will introduce Chinese dialect courses such as Hokkien and Cantonese next year to help migrant domestic workers communicate more effectively with their employers. The initiative aims to foster trust and long-lasting relationships between domestic workers and their employers, according to Minister of State for Education and Manpower Gan Siow Huang. In addition to language courses, the CDE will offer advanced caregiving training in partnership with the Healthcare Academy, including courses in dementia care and infant care. The CDE will also provide free counselling services and mental health workshops through its partnership with Silver Ribbon (Singapore), a non-profit organisation focused on combatting mental health stigma. As of June 2024, there were over 294,900 migrant domestic workers in Singapore, making up 19 per cent of the city-state's total foreign workforce.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/singapore/2024/12/08/singapore-to-introduce-hokkien-and-cantonese-lessons-for-migrant-domestic-workers-to-improve-communication/159275