Insecure about his performance, German goalie Robert Enke ended his life recently. FYI looks at why young Indian professionals too are falling prey to the successful-but-sad syndrome
Insecure about his performance, German goalie Robert Enke ended his life recently. FYI looks at why young Indian professionals too are falling prey to the successful-but-sad syndrome
The recent suicide of German goalie Robert Enke proves, having everything often comes to nothing. The 32 year-old stepped in front of a train near his home one evening. His widow, Teresa, appeared on national television to reveal that he'd been suffering from depression for six years but did not want it known. His psychotherapist revealed how Enke had first fallen prey to depression thanks to insecurity over his performance.
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It's scarier than paralysis, says AIIMS
Recovering from financial loss or a beloved's death can cripple a person more severely than a physical disability like amputation or paralysis, says a study conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The WHO-funded study looked at the disabling effects of depression on 200 patients who were attending the Out Patient Department (OPD) at the Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS Delhi.u00a0
Do deadlines drive you crazy?
Around 80% of victims calling up are young professionals, suicide help centre staff claims. "We receive lots of calls from young urban Indians who are stressed with their jobs. Peer pressure, coping up with professional deadlines and the desire to move ahead of others bothers them," says CK Aggarwal, project co-ordinator of suicide help centre Bharatiya Manav Kalyan Parishad.
Quick statistics
>>u00a0A study by The Lancet says suicide rates among young men and women in southern India are the "highest in the world".
>> According to WHO, most people who commit suicide in India (37.8%) are below 30 years of age.
FYI's easy get-a-life guide
>> Shrinks are for losers. Get yourself a cute girl/guy or join an interesting club.
>> Bunk work. Sometimes. Check out Mid-Day's The Guide for recommendations on kicka** events to drop by every day.
>> Don't hang around people who take themselves too seriously.
>> Outside your workplace, freak out like a college kid.
>> When you are feeling low, phone a friend or play Farmville. Or, blog a bit, jam like a joker, dress up and head to a club. Company is waiting everywhere!
>>Remember, you are earning, learning, and living comfortably. Consider yourself blessed, and stay happy in gratitude.
How corporate firms beat the blues
Some firms that function 24x7 have what is called a grievance cell, sometimes, a counselling one. Those where staff is involved in high pressure jobs, BPOs for instance, organise day-trips and games (like paintball sessions) that help employees bond and unwind.
Signs to watch out for
}Anxiety and restlessness
}Sudden addiction to drugs, smoking, alcohol
}Enjoying the feeling of loneliness
}Mood swings
}Repetitive, continuous sleep disturbances
}Confusion and irritability
}Decreased interest in daily activities (hygiene, appearance, eating, sleeping)
}Difficulty in decision-making
}Self injurious behaviour (starving, injuring self)
}Strained relations with family
}Pointless and continuous rumination
Don't be a chicken
NK Sharma Founder- Chairman, Reiki Healing Foundation Trust
Killing yourself is not the answer because the misery doesn't end, only the body perishes. Your thoughts drive your destiny. Be passionate about what you do, solve problems rather than escape.
How urban professionals keep the faith
Urvashi Dagar 25
BPO employee
I get stressed easily, and the pressure to perform is immense. I got married recently, and managing work-personal life balance has been very tough. But what's life if not lived well even in the face of chaos?
Akshay Kapoor, 28,
Media professional
Stress is less if you are in a senior position, because there's always someone to delegate work to.
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