Square Mile Syndrome
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In case a rise in STDs and a decrease in liver function wasn't enough, the credit crunch is also sending people to the hospital for anxiety, depression and stress.
Capio Nightingale, an independent mental health hospital in London, reports a 33% increase in those seeking help for mental health disorders, and a further 30% increase in those seeking addiction assistance in the past two months.
But the concern is that the issue is much more widespread, and that many who do need help are still not seeking it. Furthermore, there is often a lag time associated with stress-related mental issues. This was seen after Black Wednesday, when many City workers suffered problems six months later.
Dr William Shanahan, Medical Director at Capio Nightingale Hospital comments: "As I saw in the 90s, despite there being a palpable increase in pressure, people are likely to be reluctant to seek help at a time when they are trying to remain focused on keeping their jobs. I am talking to increasing numbers of people who recognise that they have an issue, are looking for brief telephone reassurance but are unwilling to come for an outpatient appointment never mind a treatment program. The quicker treatment is given the more effective it is. I am very concerned that problems are building now that will reveal themselves in 2009."
And while unemployment is damaging to those who are unemployed, it's also difficult for those left in their jobs as they become increasingly insecure. They also have to deal with the pressure of ongoing business - longer hours, fewer deals, and increased stress.
Capio Nightingale has set up a free, confidential helpline for people who would like to receive general advice on alcohol, drugs, depression, stress, anxiety and other mental health issues. Additionally, City workers who have been made redundant can opt to pay for their treatment once they're employed again.
To get in touch, call 0800 783 0594, or visit their site.
But the concern is that the issue is much more widespread, and that many who do need help are still not seeking it. Furthermore, there is often a lag time associated with stress-related mental issues. This was seen after Black Wednesday, when many City workers suffered problems six months later.
Dr William Shanahan, Medical Director at Capio Nightingale Hospital comments: "As I saw in the 90s, despite there being a palpable increase in pressure, people are likely to be reluctant to seek help at a time when they are trying to remain focused on keeping their jobs. I am talking to increasing numbers of people who recognise that they have an issue, are looking for brief telephone reassurance but are unwilling to come for an outpatient appointment never mind a treatment program. The quicker treatment is given the more effective it is. I am very concerned that problems are building now that will reveal themselves in 2009."
And while unemployment is damaging to those who are unemployed, it's also difficult for those left in their jobs as they become increasingly insecure. They also have to deal with the pressure of ongoing business - longer hours, fewer deals, and increased stress.
Capio Nightingale has set up a free, confidential helpline for people who would like to receive general advice on alcohol, drugs, depression, stress, anxiety and other mental health issues. Additionally, City workers who have been made redundant can opt to pay for their treatment once they're employed again.
To get in touch, call 0800 783 0594, or visit their site.
