BENGALURU: A job in corporate sector may bring in a fat pay cheque, but for women employed in these companies, long working hours, irregular eating habits and tight deadlines are taking a heavy toll on their physical and mental health.
A study conducted by the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Assocham), ‘Preventive healthcare and corporate female workforce’, stated that 68 per cent of working women in the age group of 21-52 were suffering from lifestyle ailments such as obesity, depression, chronic backache, diabetes and hypertension. It also revealed that due to long hours and working under strict deadlines, up to 75 per cent of working women suffer from depression or general anxiety disorder, compared with women with lesser levels of psychological demand at work.
“Increasing work pressure seems to be the order of the day. Sadly with a fat pay cheque comes increased competitiveness which triggers a host of psychological issues among these professionals. But sadly more women seem to be affected by depression or anxiety disorders,” said Dr H. Chandrashekar, Professor and HOD, Department of Psychiatry, Victoria Hospital.
He said, “Some of the common diseases encountered are Alzheimer’s, arteriosclerosis, cancer, liver disease/ cirrhosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, nephritis/CRF, and stroke.” Dr Kanappa Shetty from Nimhans said, “Occupations have undergone drastic changes which demand non-stop working hours. Food habits too have changed, giving rise to lifestyle diseases.” Experts advise that people should adopt healthy lifestyle with a proper diet, physical activity and by giving due respect to biological clock. “One should avoid sitting for long and should take frequent breaks ,” said Dr Anand Jayaram, Psychiatrist, Vikram Hospital.
