Psychological Competency: Stress and Lifestyle Management

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Facing tremendous stress at work and in life, it is essential for all officer to equip themselves with effective stress and lifestyle management strategies. This is actually one of the core police psychological competencies. The need to make use of 'healthy' ways of stress management has been promoted through various channels. Some officers, however, still prefer using other ways to manage stress, which in certain cases creates rather than resolves problems.

One classic example is sensation-seeking. Some officers indulge themselves in gambling or speeding, enjoying the speed and feeling of control to release their tension. However, such sensation-seeking behaviour may overload the nervous system, especially at times of stress when the system is already aroused, and this could result in insomnia and jeopardise health and safety. Problematic gambling can also lead to indebtedness and isolation from family and friends.

Instead of seeking excessive sensation, some officers choose to escape from reality by abusing alcohol, drugs and other substances without realising their negative side effects. Excessive substance abuse will severely reduce a person's problem-solving ability. In certain cases, it can also affect emotions and functions of the brain - a negative effect that can be irreversible.

Damaging transitory tension-release

Other quoted maladaptive stress management methods include excessive shopping and eating. It is not uncommon to hear people saying that they have spent far more than necessary on clothing, or other extravagant goods, just because of an urge to buy! However, they often end up feeling guilty of having spent beyond their means, and stressed out by having to find places to store the goods bought. Binge eating is another commonly known maladaptive method. People may not be aware that an irregular diet can disrupt the digestive system, causing long-term digestive problems and a wide range of psychological consequences. In fact, the long-term damage caused by such maladaptive methods may far exceed transitory tension release.

There are numerous ways to manage day-to-day stress. But we have to be very careful in picking the most appropriate ways to do so, with due consideration to both short-term and long-term effects. Failure to do so will increase the stress load rather than manage it.

Don't Miss the Seminar

The Learning & Development Exhibition 2002, organised by the Training & Development Bureau will be held on November 22, 23 and 24 at the Police Sports & Recreational Club. The PSG will have booths on Psychological Competency, with various prize-winning games and welcome your participation.

As one of the keynote events, a seminar on "Understanding the Criminal Mind" will be held on November 23, from 2 pm to 4.15 pm. Various experts in the field have been invited to share their understanding of criminal behavior.

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