Indian Army's Proactive Measures for Mental Health | 16 Nov 2023

Source: TH

Why in News?

The Indian Army, acknowledging the critical issue of suicides and fratricides within its ranks, has taken significant steps to address the mental well-being of its personnel.

• In a comprehensive study initiated in August 2023, in collaboration with the Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), the Army is focusing on understanding and mitigating stress factors affecting troops and their families.
• The DIPR is an institution under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India, engaged in research and development in the field of psychology and human behaviour to support the defence and security sector.

What are the Stressors Faced by the Army Personnel?

• In a study, by the United Service Institution of India (USI), a service think tank, found that there has been a significant increase in stress levels among Army personnel in the last two decades, due to operational and non-operational stressors.
• Operational stressors:Related to the nature and conditions of the military service, such as
  • Prolonged exposure to counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism (CI/CT) environment, which involves high risk, uncertainty, and violence.
  • Frequent transfers and separations from family, which affect the personal and social life of the soldiers.
  • Lack of adequate facilities and infrastructure, especially in remote and difficult areas.
• Non-operational stressors:Related to the organizational and personal aspects of the military service, such as
  • Poor leadership, callous attitude of seniors, and lack of trust and confidence in the chain of command.
  • Denial of leave, even in emergencies, and lack of grievance redressal mechanisms.
  • Family-related disputes, financial problems, marital issues, or health concerns.
  • Low job satisfaction, career progression, and recognition, especially among the officers.

What Initiatives are Implemented for Mental Well-being within the Army?

• Advisory and Guidelines:
  • The Army issued an advisory in August 2023, emphasizing the posting of officers, religious teachers, and selected other ranks in each unit to address stress and psychological issues.
    • The advisory provides guidelines to address factors leading to increased stress levels, warning signs, and intervention measures.
• Psychometric Assessments:
  • Pilot projects, including collaboration with a civil agency (Disha Kiran), are being undertaken at three nodal military stations to gauge the mental well-being of military personnel and their families.
• Training Programs:
  • Various training programs are implemented, such as the annual training of 30 officers at the Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) and the conduct of "Religious Teachers Counsellor Courses" for four weeks at Command Hospitals, Base Hospitals, and Military Hospitals.
• Unit Psychological Counsellor Course:
  • A 12-week Unit Psychological Counsellor Course is conducted for Junior Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers to equip them with skills for addressing psychological concerns within their units.
  • The Indian Army has employed civilian counsellors in all major military stations to enhance mental well-being support for all ranks.
• Helplines:
  • Helplines offering immediate counseling services have been established across all Command Headquarters.
• Psychiatry Centres:
  • These have been set up at major military stations under the Directorate General of Medical Service.
• Holistic Approaches:
  • Measures include yoga, meditation, sports, and recreation activities, liberalized leave policies, improvement of amenities in military stations, mutual buddy system for soldiers, and a prompt grievance handling mechanism.
  • Regular seminars on mental well-being, financial management, and domestic issues are conducted.
• Continuous Evaluation and Improvement:
  • The ongoing study, training programs, and collaborative projects reflect the Army's commitment to continuous evaluation and improvement in addressing mental health challenges.