GS2/GS1/GS4 Paper
Syllabus: Social Issues/ Indian Society / Ethics
Source: TOI
Context: An RPF jawan (on the Jaipur-Mumbai Superfast Express) with mental health issues shot and killed passengers, prompting questions about having armed troubled personnel on duty
What is mental health?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.
Status of issue:
- The suicide rate in the Indian Army is about 8.5 suicides per 100000 people
| Reasons for Prevalence of Mental Health Issues in Uniformed Forces | |
| Tightly Structured Hierarchy
|
Command-and-control hierarchy system |
| Senior officer as reporting authority | |
| Lack of platform for communicating personal issues | |
| Stress is not Addressed | Signs of stress are often ignored |
| Fear of being perceived as weak | |
| Pressure to conform to “macho” stereotype | |
| Less Recognition for Achievements | Lack of recognition for constabulary |
| Frequent persecution for failures | |
| Tendency towards Alcoholism | Resorting to alcohol/drug abuse for coping |
| Lack of Awareness and Stigma | Lack of awareness about mental health issues |
| The stigma around seeking help for mental health concerns | |
| Separation from Family and Home | Being away from family for extended periods |
| Isolation and loneliness due to duty demands | |
| Job-related Stress and Trauma | Exposure to traumatic events |
| High-stress nature of duties | |
| Poor Working Conditions | Meagre salary and inadequate facilities |
| Lack of timely leaves and allowances | |
Some key measures to address mental health issues among uniformed forces:
- Awareness and Training: Conduct regular awareness campaigns and training programs to educate personnel and superiors about mental health, its signs, and the importance of seeking help.
- De-Stigmatization: Work towards creating a culture where seeking mental health support is encouraged and not stigmatized, challenging stereotypes of strength and vulnerability.
- Access to Counseling: Establish confidential counselling services accessible to all personnel, providing a safe space for them to discuss their concerns and receive professional guidance.
- Leadership Involvement: Involve senior officers in mental health initiatives, encouraging open communication, understanding, and proactive support for struggling personnel.
- Early Intervention: Develop a system for early identification of mental health issues through regular assessments, screenings, and peer support mechanisms.
- Promote Work-Life Balance: Implement policies that ensure adequate leaves, balanced work hours, and opportunities for personnel to connect with their families and loved ones.
- Wellness Programs: Offer wellness programs that focus on stress reduction, resilience-building, mindfulness, and coping strategies to enhance mental well-being.
- Crisis Response: Develop protocols for responding to crisis situations, including access to immediate psychological support for personnel involved in traumatic incidents.
- Peer Support Networks: Establish peer support networks where personnel can openly share their experiences, provide mutual assistance, and foster a sense of camaraderie.
- Family Support: Recognize the role of families in supporting personnel’s mental health; provide resources and counselling to families to help them understand and address these issues.
- Inclusive Policies: Tailor policies and interventions to the diverse needs of personnel, considering factors like gender, age, cultural backgrounds, and ranks.
The government has taken several steps to improve mental health:
- Constitutional Provision: Recognized healthcare as a fundamental right under Article 21.
- Mental HealthCare Act 2017: Ensured access to mental healthcare from government-funded services, reduced use of Section 309 IPC (suicide attempt), and focused on treatment.
- National Mental Health Program (NMHP): Addressed mental disorders and the shortage of professionals since 1982, including modernization of mental hospitals and upgrading psychiatric wings.
- Kiran Helpline: Launched a 24/7 toll-free helpline to provide support for anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and more.
- Manodarpan: Launched under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan to offer psychosocial support for students, families, and teachers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Conclusion:
Addressing mental health issues in uniformed forces is crucial for both the well-being of personnel and the effectiveness of their roles. In this context, Regular sampark sabhas need to be conducted where personnel can air their grievances and proper follow-up action must be taken on all possible issues.
Insta Links:
Mains Links:
Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieving ‘Health for All ‘in India. Explain. (UPSC 2018)
Mental health is one of the most neglected social issues in India. Comment.
