April 7 is World Health Day and this year it is dedicated to mental health for the first time. The World Health Organisation (WHO) day will raise awareness in efforts to improve the mental health situation worldwide.

Mental health is fundamental to human development, but is often overlooked and its impact grossly underestimated. WHO figures show some 400 million people are suffering from mental or neurological disorders, or from psychosocial problems (e.g. alcohol or drug abuse). Research estimated mental health problems accounted for 12 per cent of global deaths and lost productivity in 1998. In 2020, the share was projected to increase to 15 per cent, if urgent action was not taken. This implied that no country and no person was immune to mental disorders, and their impact in psychological, social and economic terms was very high.

Through Mental Health Day, WHO planned to highlight two key concerns - the need for more care and less exclusion, so more care and understanding was given to mental health and its sufferers.

As Police officers, we may come across citizens with mental problems. To better serve them, officers should not only strengthen their knowledge of mental illness, but also be aware of social prejudices against sufferers. People uphold various myths about mental illness, including claims that it is brought on by a weakness in character, that it is not a real illness, it's untreatable, and dangerous. The fact is mental disorders are real and can be treated with proper medical care and counselling, together with a caring and supportive environment. Most people with mental illness are not aggressive or dangerous. By dropping the prejudices and showing better care and understanding, we will help those afflicted and their families to have a better and more productive life.

Officers should also take care of their own mental health because police work can be very stressful. To start with, try to develop your own self-care plan for emotional health, and a positive sense of well-being. Your plan may include: