Job pressures lay youngsters low

PUNE: It took Anjali Ranjan four job changes in seven months and a growing addiction to smoking to realise that all was not well with life. Anjali, a 26-year-old software professional, was finally diagnosed with depression. Ditto for aspiring surgeon Ashish Atre.
According to one World Health Organisation (WHO) study, depression is second only to heart attack in causing morbidity and loss of human productivity worldwide.By 2020, it is tipped to be the number one killer.
In today''s world, where failure is considered taboo and work rules read "you are only as good as yesterday''s performance", it is but natural, say doctors, that more and more young people are fighting depression or are vulnerable to it.
"Never before has the pressure (to be seen as successful) been more than it is today. One has to show immediate results or make place for someone who can. Thus, there is constant pressure on young people to perform," said Arvind Panchanadikar, a consultant psychiatrist.
Seventy per cent of his patients comprise young working professionals. Rising job insecurity, lack of job satisfaction, overwork, and the resulting compromise on one''s social and personal life is tipping the stress balance against the young.
"Stress in itself doesn''t cause depression; it is one''s handling that makes the difference. But there is no doubt that fierce competition is overwhelming more people in present times," said Hemant Chandorkar, consultant psychiatrist.
Another factor contributing to depression, say doctors, is bad time management. In other words, compromising on activities that act as stress relievers — spending time with friends and family and doing things that bring one pleasure, or just leisure time.
Unfortunately, said Panchanadikar, in India there is no culture of work hard, play hard. "Once caught in the rut of working 14-hour shifts, one tends to remain there for months on end. No one seems to have the time any more to reflect and evaluate one''s life," he said. How does one detect depression?
"When you stop taking pleasure in activities that you previously enjoyed, it is a sure sign of depression. It is important that you immediately consult a psychiatrist or a psychologist without any hesitation," said Sanjot Deshpande, a clinical psychologist.
Doctors warn that letting it go untreated is extremely dangerous, as the illness will only worsen with time and go on to adversely affect one''s professional and personal life. It need not necessarily be going to a psychiatrist or a psychologist, but just sharing your feelings with a confidant or a friend who will listen without being judgmental.
Chandorkar prescribes the five must dos to keep depression at bay: regular exercise, a balanced diet, relaxation, time management — and medication when necessary.