Employees of Newcrest Lihir, in New Ireland Province, have undergone depression management training as part of the company’s initiative to promote healthy lifestyle both at work and at home.
This was held as part of the World Health Day observation of the day on April 7.
Acting General Manager, Stephen Perkins, said it is important for miners to know and understand how to manage depression, and also educate their family members at home about the signs of depression and how to deal with it quickly.
“Here in Lihir, we believe that a healthy and happy home contributes to a safe and productive workforce.
“Therefore, it is the company’s priority that all miners are educated and empowered on how to manage stress, depression and other health issues so they too can educate their families.
“Only then we can also be sure that Lihir is contributing towards building a healthy nation as captured in PNG’s National Strategic Plan; Vision 2050,” said Perkins.
He urged all miners to talk to someone if they think they are depressed, utilise professional help provided on site, stay connected with their families, exercise regularly after work hours, eat healthily and avoid alcohol and drugs.
Perkins added that depression was treatable and miners should take ownership of the Newcrest’s employee welfare services available onsite to help them.
Fact sheets and flyers were distributed throughout the mine site to educate approximately 4,000 employees and business partners on how to manage depression.
There was also a display of additional information on healthy habits and fresh produce at the main mess during dinner on Friday, where employees learnt the nature and signs of depression and were guided with steps on how to deal and manage stress.
Depression is an illness characterised by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is often accompanied by the inability to carry out daily activities for at least two weeks.
The observation was part of the company’s “Healthy Living” program.
Loop file photo