Ajay Gupta (name changed), 29, has been suffering with mental health condition for the past one year. This is largely due to his job stress. Ajay works in a multinational company in Delhi and has a huge work pressure.

He majorly complaints about his seniors and bosses that they do not have positive attitude towards their employees. He visited at a private hospital in Delhi and shared his problem with a doctor.  

Ajay is not the only one who is reeling with job related worries. There are many who are facing such problems, says health experts.

Doctors say that work-related stress is estimated as one of the biggest occupational health problems in India. According to them, there is about 14 – 37 percent prevalence of mental ill-health among Indian working class.

“Job stress also includes long travelling hours, harassment at workplace, peer-pressure and lack of confidence. Stress is the root cause of a mental ill-health, including anxiety and depression. Definitely, cases are increasing in the past couple of years. In my OPD, I see at least five patients who are office-goers and having worries related to their job,” said Dr Rajiv Mehta, Vice Chairperson in the department of psychiatry at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi.

Dr Mehta, author of the book – ‘Speak To Anyone Easily’ informed that Ajay’s health condition is improving after medication and counseling. “There is a need for early identification and timely intervention. More of congenial and positive working environment is required for people to maintain mental wellness.”

Dr Rajesh Sagar, professor of psychiatry at AIIMS said that work stress is a serious problem in youth as pointed by World Health Organisation (WHO). “Work stress not only affects health but it also contributes to economic loss. In India, about 14-37 percent people are affected during their prime working years. Mental ill-health or distress is a major cause of sick absence from work. It reduces productivity and staff turnover resulting in low payments, rude and rigid behavior of boss, long hours of duty, no promotion etc.”

When we talk to patients, they reveal work pressure as one of the reasons for having stress at work. At AIIMS, we attend such patients at least two days in a week. There must be an awareness and education for employees to identify mental health issues at workplace, he added.

Confederation of British Industry has estimated that 15-30 percent of workers will experience some form of mental health in coming years.

Dr Smitha Deshpande, head of psychiatry department at RML hospital said, “For sure, the incidents of job stress are increasing among youth population. Three out of ten patients in OPD diagnosed with mental health illness due to adverse work environment at workplace.”

These health problems include: mental and behavioral health illness like anxiety; depression which can turn chronic; insomnia; health ailments and neurological diseases too, added Dr Deshpande.

Tips to manage stress at workplace:

• Maintain positive relationships among employees
• Prioritize and organize your work
• Start your day by eating a healthy and filling breakfast
• Take enough sound sleep
• Get about 30 minutes of physical workout every day in the morning. It can uplift your mood.