SHILLONG, Oct 9: In today’s fast-paced work culture, stress is often an unavoidable reality. For those in certain professions, managing it is not just a task but an occupational necessity. This year’s World Mental Health Day theme, ‘Mental Health in the Workplace,’ highlights how professionals in high-stress fields handle the emotional burdens of their work and establish personal boundaries to safeguard their mental well-being.
Around 62% of Indian employees experience burnout — three times the global average of 20% — due to work-related stress and poor work-life balance, according to a report by digital healthcare platform MediBuddy and CII. Similarly, a Gallup report found that India reported the second-lowest rate of thriving at work at only 14%, with Nepal leading at 22%.
For journalists, stress is intrinsic to the profession. Reporting on grim realities and difficult truths, while maintaining objectivity, can be emotionally taxing. Rajib Chowdhury, a senior journalist from Shillong with firsthand experience of the emotional toll his work demands, said, “I’ve witnessed some difficult, often traumatic scenes while reporting, including the ULFA and HNLC attacks.”
“Although I’m a professional, at the end of the day, I’m still human. I’ve seen someone pass away right next to me, and it was overwhelming.” To cope with such situations, Chowdhury has developed a routine that helps him ‘reset’ after particularly challenging stories.
“I make time for myself. I shop, engage in hobbies, and connect with my support system to process what I’ve seen. Drawing a healthy boundary between work and life is crucial to ensure I can continue reporting effectively without compromising my mental health,” he shared. His approach underscores the importance of having a routine that helps journalists unwind.
Sanjay Kar, Chief Sub-Editor of The Shillong Times, described the delicate balance journalists must maintain to remain objective while dealing with distressing news. Early in his career, Kar recalled being taught the importance of leaving emotions outside the newsroom to avoid bias. “Very early on, I learned to keep my emotions in check, otherwise they would affect my reports.” This professional detachment is necessary, but Kar acknowledged that maintaining it can be draining. “The key to surviving in journalism is knowing when to switch off and find time for personal well-being,” he noted.
“Even today, if I receive unpleasant personal news, I don’t let it affect my work. I choose to deal with it afterward,” he added.
The mental strain faced by healthcare professionals is equally challenging. Medical practitioners regularly encounter life-altering situations, often involving death. Surgical oncologist Dr. Mezhuneituo Raleng, who deals with trauma and loss in his work, emphasizes the importance of separating personal and professional life to protect his mental health.
“I’m a Christian, and I find solace in reading the Bible and attending church. It’s one way I detach from work,” Dr. Raleng shared, explaining that faith and family time help him cope with the pressures of his profession. “Spending time with my family allows me to process what I go through at work without letting it consume me. I also make sure not to overwork because I know the consequences can be damaging,” he added.
For mental health professionals, maintaining boundaries can be even more complicated. Dr. Pakha Tesia, President of the Indian Psychiatric Society, discussed the challenges of conducting couple and marital therapies, where he often deals with intimate, distressing details about people’s personal lives. “It can be overwhelming,” Dr. Tesia said. “It’s crucial to recognise that this is my profession and to create boundaries to avoid burnout.”
For Dr. Tesia, taking mental breaks and setting boundaries are essential. “When you let work spill over into your personal life, it can consume you. That’s why it’s important to set limits,” he explained. He added, “For therapists, our training emphasizes putting ourselves in our patients’ shoes. This helps us understand their challenges, but it also means we can sometimes get drawn into the emotional dynamics of therapy sessions. We must stay mindful of maintaining boundaries to prevent burnout.”
Dr. Didakamiwan Khonglah, a psychiatrist at SAN-KER, advocates for hobbies and unwinding as ways to cope with the daily emotional strain. “I make sure to go for a run every morning before starting my day,” she said. “Throughout the day, we absorb so many traumatic experiences, and it can get overwhelming.” For Dr. Khonglah, exercise helps clear her mind and refreshes her before facing her responsibilities.
“It’s essential to take a break, unwind, and return to work with a fresh mindset,” she added. She noted that healthcare workers are often so focused on patient care that they neglect their own well-being, which is why a daily routine of physical exercise or personal time is invaluable.
A key takeaway for professionals in high-stress fields is recognizing when they need help. Across all sectors, mental health experts emphasize the importance of identifying when workplace stress becomes unmanageable. “Workplace deadlines and pressures naturally create some stress and anxiety. While a little stress can be motivating, prolonged stress starts to affect concentration and performance. In such cases, it’s important to be proactive, maintain realistic goals, avoid procrastination, ensure proper sleep, and harness our inherent coping capacities,” said Dr. Tesia.
Journalists, healthcare professionals, and mental health practitioners all agree that setting boundaries and taking time to unwind is not just a luxury but a necessity.
Dr. Khonglah also highlighted signs that suggest it may be time for professionals to seek help. “When you’re no longer able to focus or perform at your best, that’s a clear signal to take action for your mental health,” she said. “If your productivity drops, or you feel more lethargic and less cheerful than usual, that’s when you know it’s time to seek support.”
World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder for people across professions to prioritize mental health, as professional demands can easily blur the lines with personal well-being.
As Rajib Chowdhury puts it, “Learning to disconnect from work is vital. It’s the only way to keep your mind clear and capable in the long run.”
The conversation surrounding mental health is crucial, not just on this day, but every day, as professionals strive to maintain a healthy and balanced life.