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Mumbaikars succumbing to Mumbai's lifestyle: Shrinks

Doctors have been regularly pointing to dipping tolerance levels in Mumbaikars, blaming it on the city's lifestyle.

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Even as the city witnessed the ill affects of stress and depression in the recent deaths of two policemen, model-actor Shikha Joshi's suicide has again brought to fore the issue.

According to city psychiatrists, in a metro like Mumbai that has a fast-paced life, people need to be more cautious and vigilant for tell-tale signs among their close ones, as more are becoming vulnerable to depression and suicide.

Doctors have been regularly pointing to dipping tolerance levels in Mumbaikars, blaming it on the city's lifestyle.

Head of psychiatry department in Rajawadi hospital Dr Parul Tank said, "Tolerance level is a manifestation of our emotional state. Like a healthy heart can take the strain of climbing stairs to an extent, healthy brain also can tolerate the strain of any behaviour or situation to an extent. A person suffering from substance abuse, like drugs or alcohol, or a person suffering from depression has poor tolerance level and we need to check why it is so."

"Mumbai has its own psycho-social status to get you worked up and stressed out. Hectic schedules, traffic congestion, commuting problems and rising cost of living have led to rise in frustration and low tolerance level."

He added that the trend of nuclear family in the city too has worsened the situation. "Family is the biggest stress buster. In tough times, you can always look to your family for support. That has disappeared. Also, with social networking sites and technology, human contact has become less. You don't even know your neighbours these days," said Kumavat.

The rising cost of living, combined with a feeling of loneliness, has become a deadly mixture for many Mumbaikars to handle, say psychiatrists. Dr Shubhangi Parker, deputy dean (academics) KEM hospital, said, "The rising cost of living, especially for the poor, leads to a lot of frustration that leads to aggression and hostility, which can either lead to suicidal thoughts or murderous instinct. It is, therefore, a major mental health issue."

Reacting to Joshi's suicide, actor Kangana Ranaut said,"Someone who has destructive thoughts should seek professional help. It's not healthy, having thoughts of harming oneself or someone else."

Signs and symptoms
Persistent sad, anxious or empty feelings
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
Irritability, restlessness
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
Fatigue and decreased energy
Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness or excessive sleeping
Overeating or appetite loss
Thoughts or attempts of suicide

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