Dr. Murali Krishna, Visiting Consultant  Psychiatry & Counselling Services, Aster RV Hospital

The constant pressure to succeed in today’s environment frequently obscures the true cost, which is
our mental health. Long hours and an intense work ethic are acknowledged, but we hardly ever
acknowledge the dangerous marathon we are running. For too many, this constant stress can cause
horrible suffering and, unfortunately, suicidal thoughts. Workplace stress must be considered
seriously because it can have such severe consequences. To acknowledge the psychological and
physical toll many people bear in secret is overdue; workplace mental health should be regarded as
a right and not an additional cost.

The Silent Suffering
Work stress acts as a slow poison that destroy an individual’s well-being. It usually beings with
juggling with meeting short deadlines to work life imbalance. The pop up of a mail at 10 pm is not
just a message but an interruption making you feel that you work round the clock. This persisted
state of alertness has a tremendous toll. Physically it manifests as sleepless nights, prolonged
headaches and decreased performance of the immune system. We are worn out because our bodies
which are made for brief stressful situations are now caught in “fight or flight” mode. The damage is
worse on an emotional level. An individual who was lively once becomes withdrawn, irritable and
sceptical on their own worth. Even the thought of casual conversation with colleagues or their
managers scares them, as they are afraid that their concerns will be viewed negatively. This
contributes to poor mental health and loneliness.

The Perilous Downward Spiral
Stress at workplace contributes to severe mental health issues besides burnout as hope fades. The
impact of this makes an employee anxious or dread about work. Eventually this can lead to serious
depression. This often makes them feel lonely stopping them from enjoying the things they once
loved. For many, their identity is shaped by their work. By itself, this identity serves as the cage’s
lock, preventing them from escaping. For them, the idea of being carried away from this world
provides an escape. This is how the terrible connection between stress and suicide is made real.
Personal hardships and work-related stress increase the likelihood of suicide. Being under constant
pressure and feeling underappreciated might push someone over the edge. How ironic it is, isn’t it?
The place that should be the safest can be the quietest accomplice to tragedy. Sometimes, we are
shocked to hear of some people succumbing to suicide. Just because they seemed happy doesn’t
mean that they truly were. They might have been masking a profound amount of stress from their
loved ones. For every sign we do see, there are many more hiding in plain sight.

More than Numbers: A Call for Compassion
In addition to harming individuals, ignoring mental health negatively impacts productivity and
organizational objectives. Prolonged work-related stress results in decreased performance, lower
creativity and increased resignation rates. Prioritizing mental health is essential for truly successful
workplaces so that workers can give their all.

Creating a Supportive Workplace

Workplaces that are psychologically safe start with the leaders’ attitude. Leaders can set an example
by helping people who are struggling with mental health issues. At the same time, companies must
offer genuine mental health support to their staff members through conveniently accessible mental
health services, employee assistance programs, and private therapy.
Making mental health a priority is crucial if we are to eradicate the stigma, elevate mental health
and treat it with the same respect as physical health in order to promote productive communities
and workplaces.