Mental illness: Act before it’s too late

Mental illness: Act before it’s too late

Article:

The article discusses about the growing problem of depression among private sector employees in India

Analysis

What is depression and clinical depression?

1. Depression is a mood disorder. It is commonly defined as a state of mind when people experience grief, loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, an all-pervading sense of futility and incompetence, and even suicidal thoughts.
2. Clinical depression is a medical condition which lasts for at least two weeks with certain symptoms, and in most cases can last for months or even years.
3. According to WHO guidelines, common symptoms of depression in professionals include difficulty in concentrating, making decisions, a visible change in performance, inconsistent productivity, increasing errors and diminished work quality, and overly sensitive reactions

Status of Depression among private sector professionals in India

1. A study conducted by Assocham, 42.5% of employees in the Indian private sector are afflicted with general anxiety disorder or depression, as compared to government employees
2. Surveys conclude that as much as 50% of India’s workforce suffers from some form of stress and of these, and 8% of them show a high tendency to commit suicide.

Causes and Challenges in addressing Depression in Indian Private Sector

1. A major reason for depression among private sector employees is less pay and more working hours which contribute to an atmosphere of constant fatigue. This further leads to stress and frustration, thereby acutely affecting mental health.
2. Private companies seldom make any attempt to help employers address their mental health problems. Hardly any companies have formulated a policy to address employer’s mental health issues
3. Seniors in supervisory roles are ill-equipped to cope with or respond to such scenarios
4. Further, there lies an inherent problem with the work culture in India. Indian workplace is highly competitive with very little or no sensitivity towards the mentally disturbed or those who have issues with performance

Steps to be taken

1. It is important to have a transparent, open culture which allows proper communication between employees and management
2. It is important to create an infrastructure including facilities for employees to relax, like recreational areas with various activities
3. Organization should formulate programmes for career development of employees
4. Corporate sector should formulate strategies for prevention, early identification, support and rehabilitation for employees with mental health issues