The so-called ‘Hustle Culture’ has been glorifying overworking, framing it under the sugar coated banner of ‘Hard Work’ leaving corporate employees feeling stressed, pressured all the time. This stress and work pressure does not take much time to turn into major mental health problems like anxiety, depression, leading to other physical health problems like arrhythmia, heart palpitations, chest pain, chronic headaches, insomnia, gut health issues, and the list is neverending.
In a tragic incident, a 26-year-old Chartered Accountant working at an MNC died because of overworking. Anna Sebastian Perayil, originally from, succumbed to work stress in July, four months after joining the company. Recently, her mother posted a heartfelt note on LinkedIn addressing the chairperson of the company. In the note, she wrote that her daughter, Anna, was overworked and was facing chest constriction due to the work pressure. However, the exact cause of her death was not revealed.
Anna’s mother further alleged that her daughter’s death was a result of the demanding workloads placed on new employees, forcing them to work long hours, including weekends. Anna’s death is an alarming reminder that you should prioritise your health over work pressure and not overlook your mental health.
A recent study by MediBuddy and CII found that 62% of Indian employees experience burnout, a rate three times higher than the global average. The research also highlighted that many job seekers are now prioritising employers who offer wellness programs, reflecting a growing preference for better work-life balance among employees.
Impact of Work Stress On Mental And Physical Health
To understand the impact of work stress on mental and physical health, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Priyanka Kapoor, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Couple and Family Counsellor, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, Mumbai.
She said, “People might develop burnout, chronic stress, and generalised anxiety disorder as a result of excessive stress. This may result in migraines, low back pain, and cholesterol. It may potentially result in further heart-related problems.” Long workdays without breaks can cause people to become frustrated and lose interest in their jobs. The constant feeling of being overwhelmed can eventually break down a person’s psychological well-being.
Also read: Is Work Stress An Epidemic? Expert Shares Ways To Combat It
Adding further, Kapoor said, “Depression may result from this as well as a loss of passion for life. This may bring out the worst in oneself, which may have an impact on personality.” Long-term work stress can result in feelings of guilt, remorse, melancholy, and dissatisfaction. It leads to discontent, low self-esteem, and a loss of life's purpose. Hopelessness and depression may also result from this.
On a physical level, long-term stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, elevating levels of cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, this leads to hypertension, increasing the risk of serious health conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
Sleep disturbances are another major consequence of chronic stress. Poor sleep quality weakens the immune system and contributes to a cycle of fatigue, anxiety, and low productivity. Over time, this can develop into insomnia, which further affects both mental and physical health.
Also read: Are You Often Stressed? Expert Shares Signs of Stress You Shouldn't Ignore
Preventing Stress-Related Health Issues
The Pune incident is a reminder that work stress can have deadly consequences if left unaddressed. Employers need to create environments that prioritise mental health and well-being. Regular breaks, manageable workloads, and access to mental health resources can significantly reduce stress.
No job is worth compromising one's health. Managing stress and seeking balance is essential to prevent severe outcomes, including premature death.