I have been serving in the Force for more than nine years and my life at work has been quite peaceful. However, about two years ago, I began to suffer from insomnia and always felt very tense. The situation seemed to be under control after I received in-patient psychiatric treatment for three weeks but I felt depressed again when I had to face the Medical Board. I felt helpless. I even thought that I was a burden on my wife. My life became meaningless. I was worried that one day I would lose self-control. It was then that I realised that I really had an emotional problem. I decided to seek medical treatment again and help from the Psychological Services Group (PSG).

I had been reluctant to accept the fact that I was suffering from depression. But now I would like to share my experience with colleagues and encourage them to seek medical and psychological treatment if and when the need arises. Don't keep your problems to yourself. Talk about them with your friends.

Besides seeking medical treatment, I also learn to cherish everything that I have - my life, my health, my wife, my friends and my job. I am no longer self-centred. I will handle my problems with patience. This attitude helps me get on with life.

My advice to colleagues and their families and friends is: If you have an emotional problem or a difficult time in life, don't give up. There is nothing more important than your life and health. Don't lament what you have missed but cherish what you have now and enjoy everyday of your life.

Consent has been obtained from the officer to publish this article.

Stress management workshops

The PSG will organise a series of stress management workshops in January, February and March 2002. The workshops will be conducted in Chinese.

* Date (choose one) : (1) January 12, 2002

(2) February 23, 2002

(3) March 9, 2002

* Time: 9 am - 12.15 pm

* Venue: Police Sports and Recreation Club Meeting Room

* Reservation: PSG (2866-6207)

Thirty places for each session will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Seek advice and help from the Psychological Services Group:

PHQ, Hong Kong Island and Marine: 2866-6206 (5/F, 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay); Kowloon and the New Territories: 2735-3739 (22/F, Ocean Building, 80 Shanghai Street, Kowloon). PEN: psg@police.gov.hk