A high school teacher struggled with sleepless nights and maintaining a bright teaching career due to overwhelming stress and anxiety. These issues stemmed from her classroom experience and were exacerbated when she had to take on additional teaching responsibilities after a co-teacher was transferred. Despite support from fellow teachers, her workload remained a significant source of stress, leading to constant headaches and insomnia.
Seeking help, she visited a sub-divisional hospital, where a doctor referred her to Empower Pacific for counseling. This referral was part of a long-term partnership between Empower Pacific and the Ministry of Health & Medical Services aimed at providing holistic mental health and psychosocial care.
At Empower Pacific, she met counselor Marica Siliwaqa, who helped her address her negative thoughts and guided her through relaxation techniques to manage her anxiety. The counselor encouraged her to use positive coping mechanisms, tap into her strengths, and consider discussing her workload with the school head. Following this advice, she raised the issue with the school administration.
Ms. Siliwaqa followed up with the teacher after a few weeks and observed a noticeable change in her demeanor. The teacher reported being able to sleep peacefully at night and having a positive outlook on her teaching career. She expressed gratitude for the support she received, which helped her regain a better mindset and enjoy her work once again.
Empower Pacific, an NGO dedicated to providing counseling and social support for mental health issues, assists individuals from various backgrounds referred by government-managed hospitals. The World Health Organization highlights several key facts about mental health at work, noting that decent work promotes mental health, while poor working environments can be detrimental, leading to significant productivity losses globally.
People can access Empower Pacific’s counseling services via a 24/7 toll-free helpline, office visits, or referrals.