In our society, the mental healthcare system has not developed on a sound footing.
ISLAMABAD: A policeman is one of the most stressed persons in our society. He has to work long hours in hostile circumstances, both physical as well as social. It is universally acknowledged that working conditions deeply affect a person’s physical, mental and emotional health leading to low productivity and performance in personal and professional life. Socio-economic factors such as low income, galloping inflation, unemployment, education issues, housing problems and even power cuts affect the mental health of people in general and especially those in the fixed income group, including pensioners.
In our society, the mental healthcare system has not developed on a sound footing. Moreover, a policeman cannot afford things like an expensive consultation with a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist. Under these circumstances, people are turning to fake spiritual healers for treatment. This is a dangerous trend since criminals posing as psychics may exploit their interaction with the police.
I urge the authorities concerned to engage competent psychologists and psychiatrists for counselling at police training schools, police stations and police lines/headquarters. Let us create a healthy environment for our police so that they respond in a positive way. It needs to be appreciated that the behaviour of the police with the public is more than a disciplinary issue.
Experience suggests that training modules developed by the NGO Rozan for bringing about attitude changes in police personnel have not worked. What is needed is a more holistic approach to the problem at hand.
Asghar Mahmood
Published in The Express Tribune, November 11th, 2012.
