What Factors Influence Mental Health Of Defence Personnel? Here's How You Can Help Them

The defence personnel and the police personnel of the nation are continuously working hard to maintain security and decorum in and around the country. They are liable to make sure that violence and disturbances do not arise. If it so happens that a case like that arises, then they are the ones standing front and centre to simmer down the situation.

But dealing with constant chaos like this and being at the forefront of this matter can not only affect someone physically but can also cause a mental disturbance. There is a lot of pressure that they have to deal with and sometimes it can take a toll on them mentally.

Impact of mental health problems on these defence and police personnel

In the face of challenges, these personnel have made sure to safeguard us from danger. However, underneath all the courage and valour, there is a lot of underlying trauma that is caused by various factors. So, on this Independence Day, we asked Hemangi Mhaprolkar, a senior psychologist with Mpower, to explain some of the primary issues causing these officials' poor mental health so that we may raise awareness and do something in return for what they do for us and our country:

Due to a work environment with high stress

In India, defence and police officials often navigate a high-stress work environment characterised by regular exposure to violence, crime scenes, and accidents. They frequently confront emotionally charged and dangerous situations while facing constant pressure to uphold law and order. This unrelenting stress underscores the crucial requirement for robust mental health support to help officers cope with these challenges and maintain their well-being.

Cumulative trauma led by a lack of support and resources

These personnel often contend with a lack of resources and support, exacerbating the impact of trauma. Inadequate training to cope with traumatic experiences leaves them ill-equipped to manage the emotional toll. Furthermore, limited access to essential mental health resources and counselling services hinders their ability to seek assistance. The demanding nature of their profession, characterised by long working hours and irregular schedules, further strains their work-life balance. Addressing these gaps is vital to ensuring officers have the necessary tools to navigate the challenges they face.

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Organisational, cultural, and social stigma

Organisational culture prioritises emotional toughness and discourages seeking assistance. This culture fosters a fear of displaying vulnerability or weakness in the presence of peers and superiors. Moreover, there exists a stigma surrounding mental health issues, further deterring officers from reaching out for support. Addressing these cultural barriers is essential to creating an environment where seeking help is normalised and officers can prioritise their mental well-being without fear of being judged.

There is job dissatisfaction and burnout

Police officers in India face a combination of challenges that can impact their mental well-being, leading to burnout. These challenges include the lack of proper debriefing protocols after traumatic incidents, which prevents them from discussing and processing their emotions effectively. Moreover, continuous exposure to trauma without sufficient support can lead to burnout, compounded by high levels of job dissatisfaction.

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Health-related problems caused by these factors

The above-mentioned factors are more than responsible for causing several other physical and mental problems. Some of these issues are:

Backpain

Stress can be responsible for back pain. Since the muscles in the body tend to cramp up, which can lead to stiffness and pain, stress can also lead to sensitivity to pain.

Anxiety and depression

Stress and isolation can lead a person to have anxiety and even depression. This can increase after a person is not able to talk about the challenges they are facing and has to deal with high-pressure matters all by themselves. A lot of times, stressful matters are also confidential, which can lead them to do everything by themselves.

Suicidal tendencies

Pressure to always work in the way the organisation expects you to can cause a lot of pressure. This can also lead to one not having an outlet to take a breather or talk about how things are taking a toll on one's mental health. This is when they think about extreme measures, such as suicide. While the cases may be rare, there are a few with such tendencies.

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Strategies to help these personnel cope with mental health issues

While things may get tough in these job roles, there are many ways in which these personnel can get help. There are a lot of mental support options that can help these law enforcement officers. Such as:

Counselling and therapy

Counselling and therapy provide individuals with a supportive and professional space to explore their thoughts, emotions, and challenges, leading to increased self-awareness, improved coping skills, and the development of strategies to manage difficulties and enhance overall well-being.

Crisis intervention

Crisis intervention offers immediate and focused support to individuals facing acute distress or emergencies, helping them regain stability, manage overwhelming emotions, and develop coping strategies to navigate the crisis and prevent further escalation.

Trauma-informed care

Trauma-informed care involves recognising the widespread impact of trauma and providing a compassionate and understanding approach that prioritises safety, empowerment, and sensitivity to the needs of individuals who have experienced trauma.

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Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviours to promote healthier emotional responses and improved mental well-being.

Resilience training

Resilience training equips individuals with psychological tools and coping strategies to effectively navigate and bounce back from adversity, fostering emotional strength, adaptability, and a positive outlook on challenges. It helps people build a stronger capacity to manage stress, setbacks, and uncertainties in their lives.

Wellness check-ins

Wellness check-ins provide individuals with regular opportunities to assess their mental, emotional, and physical well-being, fostering self-awareness and early recognition of potential issues. These check-ins encourage proactive self-care and help people seek support when needed, promoting overall health and preventing the escalation of difficulties.

Stress reduction workshops

Stress reduction workshops offer individuals practical techniques and strategies to manage stress, including mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and time management skills. By learning these tools, people can effectively reduce stress levels, enhance their overall resilience, and improve their ability to handle the demands of daily life.

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Hemangi Mhaprolkar says, "Support for mental health is of the utmost importance in Indian law enforcement agencies. Having tools that encourage interventions accessible to law enforcement officers not only improves their own well-being but also helps to enhance the effectiveness and ethics of policing. Addressing mental health issues strengthens resilience, decreases burnout, and encourages healthier interactions between officers and the public, resulting in a safer and more balanced work environment for everybody involved."

In conclusion, the admirable courage displayed by individuals in law enforcement should not overshadow the significance of prioritizing their mental health. Recognising the demanding nature of their profession, it becomes crucial to provide avenues for mental well-being support, ensuring that those who serve and protect also have the resources to safeguard their own emotional resilience and overall quality of life.