939 - AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF MENTAL HEALTH AND BARRIERS IN HELP-SEEKING BEHAVIOR AMONG THE INDIAN MILITARY PERSONNEL.

Session: D17S002 - Professional Well-Being & Career Sustainability 1
AUTHORS:
Fernandes F Antony (Pondicherry University ~ Pondicherry ~ India)
Abstract text:
Health is complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of illness. Education plays a key role in shaping society's health. The minimum consumption of basic needs is not only food, shelter, water, and clothes, but also the mental health and well-being of an individual are equally important. Present incidents from the media about educational institutions show that the lack of mental health support is one of the causes for anxiety, depression, or other forms of psychological symptomatology. Therefore, military psychology must expand its focus beyond the employment of counsellors, training programs, and the development of education. Simultaneously, a protective measure for the mental health of teaching professionals and students in preventing psychological dysfunctions. The aim of the study is to analyse challenges and perspectives in the area of mental health, well-being, and barriers to help-seeking during psychological distress in the Indian Army. This cross-sectional research design would be conducted on a sample of 100 Officers, 200 Junior Commissioned Officers, and 400 Other Ranks (ORS) posted in different environments. Questionnaires consisted of state of mental health, suicidal ideation, alcohol consumption, gambling disorders, and barriers in seeking behavior were used to collect data. The findings provide valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by Indian Army soldiers and highlight the need for targeted interventions and support systems within the military setting. Also, to design modules/training programs at the individual and organizational level with respect to mental health, suicidal prevention, coping skills, and the quality of the feedback system.