The National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Chief Mrs. Olufunmilola Mutiat Disu, has called for the integration of mental healthcare into police welfare programmes, warning that the psychological pressures of policing often affect officers’ families long after they return home.
Disu made the call while delivering a goodwill message at the Mental Health Conference Nigeria 2026, organised by Safehaven Wellness Centre under the theme, “From Awareness to Action: Transforming Mental Health Care in Nigeria.”
She noted that police officers routinely encounter violence, loss, uncertainty and life-threatening situations in the course of their duties, experiences that can leave lasting psychological effects on their wellbeing and family relationships.
According to her, the emotional burden of police work often extends to spouses and children, who may struggle to understand or cope with changes in an officer’s behaviour following stressful experiences.
“Sometimes, an officer returns home physically present but emotionally absent. The day’s trauma follows them home, leaving families struggling to understand what has changed and how to help,” she said.
The POWA president stressed that protecting police personnel must go beyond physical safety to include deliberate efforts to safeguard their mental and emotional wellbeing.
She explained that officers who receive appropriate mental health support, alongside their families, are better positioned to cope with the demands of policing, contributing to a healthier and more effective police institution.
POWA ADVOCATES COUNSELLING, IMPROVED WELFARE
Disu maintained that the welfare of police families should not be limited to financial and material assistance but should also include professional counselling, emotional support and access to appropriate mental healthcare services.
She called for accessible counselling programmes, supportive workplace policies and institutional structures that encourage police officers and their families to seek professional assistance without fear of discrimination or stigma.
She also urged society to challenge negative perceptions surrounding mental health, noting that fear of judgment often prevents people from discussing their struggles or seeking timely support.
According to her, mental health challenges affect people across different backgrounds, including young people dealing with uncertainty and parents facing personal and economic pressures.
She emphasised that individuals should not have to reach a breaking point before receiving the care and support they need.
“You do not have to break before you deserve help, and you do not have to suffer in silence to prove your strength. Seeking help is not surrender; it is courage,” she stated.
DISU URGES ACTION BEYOND MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
The POWA president called on institutions, communities and relevant stakeholders to move beyond awareness campaigns and implement practical interventions that make mental healthcare more accessible.
She stressed the importance of creating safe and supportive environments where people can discuss psychological challenges and seek assistance without discrimination.
Reaffirming POWA’s commitment to the welfare of police officers and their families, Disu said prioritising mental health was essential to strengthening family relationships, improving individual wellbeing and building a more effective police institution.
She added that sustained investment in mental health support would benefit not only police personnel and their families but also the wider society.
Disu concluded that transforming mental healthcare in Nigeria requires collective responsibility, stronger institutional support and a commitment to ensuring that no one is left to face psychological struggles alone.
