Stress at workplace major cause of mental health problems

A study conducted by the Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Healthcare, with the help of a stress-o-meter, found that people from the city suffer from different kinds of stress, the most common of which was stress at the work place. Doctors say that over and above that, the need for people to be aware of the symptoms to be identified in someone, who needs help, is essential. 

Stating that people with suicide ideations or those who are going through severe stress generally reach out for help, especially among members of their social group, Dr Nethra, a psychologist, said, “Guidance from the social support group is important and therefore, people should be aware of the signs to look out for and try to talk to them. If they feel that their efforts are failing, they should try to encourage them to seek professional help.” 

While there are an estimated 150 million people with mental disorders living in India, it has been seen that less than 10 per cent of the people with common mental disorders access any form of care. “Many youngsters are found over loading themselves with work, thereby under a lot of stress. 

While they might try to seek help, the lack of understanding among their peers may fail to help them. They, therefore, tend to bottle up their worries, which can eventually result in mental health problems. 

Leading them to psychologists is very essential,” said Counsellor P Nilam. 

Stressing on the fact that communication and active listening are the key instruments that can be used to lessen the burden of stress, Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Healthcare, said, “We believe that evaluation of stress levels needs to become an integral part of all preventive health packages to increase awareness and sensitivity towards mental health across the population.”