Dr Yusuf Matcheswala suggested that policemen of lower cadres may not feel very comfortable discussing their problems with psychiatrists or counselors, which is where the concept of peer counselor comes into play. (Representational image)

Mumbai: Experts have said that senior police inspectors can help by breaking the ice and starting a conversation with Mumbai police personnel about problems they may be facing on the personal or professional front.

Agreeing with the experts, Deven Bharti, joint commissioner of police (law and order), said, “We are always there to talk about any problem that might be pestering our policemen, but they should be forthcoming enough to come and talk to us.”

Dr Yusuf Matcheswala suggested that policemen of lower cadres may not feel very comfortable discussing their problems with psychiatrists or counselors, which is where the concept of peer counselor comes into play. According to this concept, a person would open up to a friend or colleague with whom he or she shares a good rapport.

If policemen come to know about colleagues going through rough patches on the personal or professional front, they can report the matter to superiors, who can then talk to these individuals or refer them to psychiatrists attached to the Mumbai police.

Another mental health expert, Dr Devika Kotibhaskar, said, “Sometimes, it so happens that there is discontent or dissatisfaction in the line of duty, and this affects performance. In such cases, police personnel often take extreme steps. Depression and suicide is often the outcome of poor mental health.”

Deven Bharti, said, “Such an approach is always welcome. We would like to help our fellow policemen, and talk them out of any problems they might have.”