Mental health professionals reported on Monday that there has been a rise in the number of patients from various companies who are office-goers and those who work from home and have panic attacks and depression because they fear losing control over their immediate future plans.
Dr. Saumya Mudgal, Senior Consultant, Psychiatry, Max Hospital in Gurugram, said that there has been a drastic increase in the number of patients coming from MNCs.
There has been a noticeable increase in the number of patients who suffers with panic disorder and agoraphobia in addition to anxiety. The severity of their symptoms has increased, and some of them are already taking medication, according to Dr. Mudgal. She claims that many patients are presenting with recently developed or new symptoms of anxiety as well as adjustment problems related to anxiety or mixed anxiety.
For the majority of people, being laid off or losing their job is a very stressful experience. Uncertainties, economic difficulties, and a lack of control over one’s future characterise this period.
The pandemic and the widespread layoffs, according to Dr. Arti Anand, a senior clinical psychologist at Sir Gangaram Hospital in Delhi, both unexpectedly killed the working class. This causes stress and fear. The best way to handle it is to be able to use the resources that are available, she said. Avoid panicking and thinking negatively about the future. According to health experts, maintaining supportive friendships and family ties, engaging in regular exercise, and cultivating mindfulness are the best ways to handle these uncertain times.
Maintain a positive outlook and attitude. Avoid thinking statements like “I’ll never have a job again or I’ll never enjoy my work again,” according to Dr. Gautam.
Divya Mohindroo, Founder, Embrace Imperfections and a counselling psychologist, said those impacted in the current layoffs need to deal with it practically rather than emotionally. “Start making a list of potential employers, research about available opportunities and companies, look for avenues to up skill and even diversify into other sectors, if required,” she advised. “Approach employers while being mentally prepared to describe their situation while pitching their candidature”
According to Mohindrooo, “all professionals should share their work responsibilities with coworkers at work and family members at home, who will help them feel accountable as well as positive about their lives and the tasks at hand.”
