About 50 percent of police officers surveyed in Liaoning Province are suffering from depression.

The study was carried out among 5,126 officers in the northeastern province and involved 200 psychologists.

For example, it revealed that 61 percent of the officers questioned from Tiexi Public Security Bureau in Shenyang had depression, with 10 percent of them suffering a severe form of the condition. The figure was 58 percent and 8.7 percent respectively in the city's Heping Public Security Bureau.

Many officers complained of anxiety and stress.

"I always feel my nerves are shredded, from the moment I open my eyes in the morning till I go to bed at night," said an officer who identified herself as Tuzi, a 26-year-old woman who joined the police in Shenyang about two years ago.

She is one of the few females in the force. "Even though the only thing I want after work is sleep, the condition of some of my other colleagues is even worse," she said.

"Police officers at the grass-roots level are under great pressures, but have little means to release it. This leads to physical and psychological problems, and has a negative impact on them and even our society," said Li Yingchun, psychology office director of Liaoning Judicatory Officer Administration Institution.

Police officers are exposed to different health and safety risks in their occupation, such as assault and even homicide.

"The things they deal with in a period of two or three years is more than what most people experience in their life, and means they are susceptible to stress and even suicide," said Wang Xumei, a psychologist from China Medical University.

Wang said she received many calls from police officers and even firefighters, asking for help.

She said: "They see many dark things. But they can't tell other people due to professional discipline."

The survey showed that the major issues affecting police were work stress, family harmony, the education of their children, and communication with colleagues.

Many officers said they experienced problems while carrying out their duties.

"Some people try to enrage you by scratching your patrol car on purpose. You just can't help but give chase to them, and bring them under control. But once you do this, you just become even angrier," said Wang Dan, an experienced traffic policeman.

The survey also highlighted family problems. Officers can work long hours, leaving little time for household chores or looking after the children, leading to arguments with their partners.

Many young police officers find it hard to even find a partner due to limited salaries and their dangerous work.

According to the study, the failure to identify and solve the concerns of officers has potentially serious consequences for the health and well-being of them and their families.

"It is a very serious issue, because if an officer is stressed, he may not perform his duties to the best of his ability. This in turn leads to an increase in the potential for accidents, thus putting the public at risk," said Li.

She suggested that officers should read psychological self-help books, and look for constructive ways to release pressure.

(China Daily March 16, 2006)