Aditya Q. I am a 32-year-old Software Engineer working at an IT firm. I am facing extreme work-related stress due to long hours, tight deadlines and a demanding work environment. This has been going on since a while but now I am unable to deal with this. I have started experiencing physical symptoms like insomnia and anxiety. I don’t feel like working anymore, however, I don’t have a choice since I have to take care of my family and the market recession has affected everyone so there are hardly any suitable openings out there.

 

I get frustrated easily and at times feel like screaming out loud. What I can do? Ans. Tight deadlines and a demanding workplace can certainly trigger a lot of stress. What you're experiencing might be the initial signs of burnout. The urge to scream or withdraw are all different signs of stress in the body. If you don’t have the option of changing your job, then you will have to change your perspective towards the current one and save the job and yourself from the negative impacts. Talking to someone you trust, focusing on the things you can control and indulging in small acts of self-care will help you feel better. Think in a positive and realistic manner, adapt to the circumstances till necessary and take care of your mind. When opportunity arises, go for it.

 

Anonymous Q. I am a Std 12th Science student and I just have my Board exams. Taking Science was my choice and nobody forced me to take it. All my family members have pursued Science or Engineering, so I also thought I will do the same. But I don't enjoy studying Science and had a tough time preparing for my Boards too because I was just not interested to study all that. I am worried for my future. I cannot appear for the entrance exams as it makes me nervous when I open those books. I want to switch to Arts. I don't even know what other options I have if I wanted to change my stream. Please help. Ans.

 

This is the right time to make the switch. Actually, you should have chosen correctly while in tenth itself. But it is never late. Now, that you have realised clearly that Science is not for you, please do make the choice properly this time. Taking an aptitude test will help you know your aptitude and abilities in different areas. That will help you decide which career options would be suitable for you. While deciding a career, it is important to assess your aptitude, interests and personality and then make a decision about the suitable career options. You can come for a session so that these areas could be assessed better.

 

XYZ Q. My lower back hurts and I feel pain in different parts of the body sometimes. I went to the doctor but he said everything was fine with me. I have two children and a job to maintain. My marriage is okay but not happy. We used to fight a lot before some years, but now we don’t. He sticks to his work and I to mine. The doctor said it might be because of stress. Do I need counseling? Ans. Physical pain can show up because of psychological stress. When we suppress emotions instead of expressing them, it can manifest as physical pain.

 

It is important to acknowledge the psychological stress you have, understand the causes to it and regulate it in a healthy manner. You might need to identify the different stressors in your life, personal, work related, marriage related and deal with them in a positive manner. Counselling will certainly help you achieve that.