World Mental Health Day: Working professionals must set boundaries, plan virtual lunch dates with colleagues to keep the modern-day menace away

By Ritika Aggarwal

The rate of anxiety and depression among working professionals was found to have increased by 45-50 per cent between 2008 and 2015, with 42.5% of corporate employees diagnosed with depression, according to a 2015 study. A significant portion was also found to sleep less than 6 hours a day.

With the current lockdown and lifestyles drastically changing, a recent mental health report by GOQii said that 43 per cent of Indians are currently plagued with depression and are learning to cope with it. With 26 per cent Indians facing mild depression, 17 per cent face a more strenuous kind. It is concerning to note that 6 per cent Indians are severely depressed.

Fast forward 5 years, and these statistics are likely to worsen with the stress and anxiety of working through a pandemic. In the current scenario, work from home is blending the roles between being a working professional and managing the home. This is leading to longer working hours and stress at having to juggle multiple roles simultaneously. As there is no clear distinction between the two anymore, employees are expected to be on call at all hours of the day.

This constant stress affects the concentration levels, ability to think clearly and decisively, as well as the productivity and efficacy of the individual. All of this can lead to mental exhaustion, anxiety, depression, burnout, and poorer physical wellbeing (reduced immunity, aches & pains, etc).

To deal with this, one can try out some of these tips:

• Set clear boundaries at work and home
• Create a daily routine
• Construct transitions into and out of a work day – eg: dress up for the workday
• Set up a workstation with minimal distractions – avoid working on your bed
• Maintain a virtual workplace network – catch up with colleagues online for coffee or lunch
• Reframe your thoughts – focus on what you can control

Organisations must encourage lifestyle modifications with physical activity, nutrition and sleep being the major focus. The workforce is bogged down by stressful routines, hence laying emphasis on a healthy lifestyle will in turn have a positive impact on mental health as well.

- The author is Consultant Psychologist, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre.