Police officers and other emergency service workers, such as firefighters, are being urged to be mindful of their mental wellbeing.
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National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang
By Kimone Witter
Emergency service workers are being encouraged to be mindful of their mental wellbeing and seek help when necessary.
National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang says those officers who deal with domestic conflicts, violent crimes and road carnage are especially at risk of mental illness or other health related issues.
Dr Chang says the police force has come a long way in placing the mental health of service members as a top priority issue.
"Up to five or six years ago, it was not necessarily the front burner of the police force thinking," he said, adding that meetings with the Federation would focus mostly on salaries, the state of police stations or issues with service vehicles.
While these matters remain pressing, the National Security Minister said professional training and sensitisation sessions on mental health awareness should go hand in hand.
He expressed relief that the stigma attached to mental illness is fading.
"I think we're growing out of it, thankfully, but it's still there.... Part of what we have to orient the officers, both the fire services and the police, and all the various services, how is it that when they themselves are faced with the challenge, how to take steps early on to deal with it," he said.
Dr. Chang was speaking earlier this week at a Mental Health Awareness Symposium organised by the JCF in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
Thursday was observed as World Mental Health Day under the theme 'It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace'.
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