Urbanization is increasing mental health issues globally. By 2031, 40% of India's population will live in urban areas, increasing risk for stress-related disorders. Non-communicable diseases, two-thirds linked to lifestyle, are a growing burden, killing over 38 million people yearly, including 5.87 million Indians. Stress from work, money issues, and unhealthy coping habits like overeating are major U.S. concerns. Long-term stress raises risks for many health problems. As stress is a growing 21st century epidemic, early intervention is needed to reduce its enormous social and economic costs.

1. Is Urban lifestyle a grooming ground for mental
health related disorders
BIKASH GYAWALI
MPH , B.SC. OPTOMETRY

2. Urban scenario of India
 Over the last two decades, India's urban population
increased from 217 million to 377 million and this is
expected to reach 600 million, or 40 percent of
the population by 2031
 India has 17.5% of the world's population, the number of
people suffering with mental illness (WHO, UN Economic and
Social Council– 2014)
Source: UN and The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate

3. Global burden of Non communicable
diseases
 Kill 38 million every year
 28 million deaths in low and middle income countries
 16 million deaths before 70 years
 82 % premature deaths
In India, NCDs contribute to around 5.87 million deaths that
account for 60 % of all deaths (i.e. two-third of the total
deaths due to NCDs in the South-East Asia Region )
SOURCE: WHO | Non communicable diseases, Updated 2015

4.  Almost two-thirds of NCD death are linked by life style
related
 Living in an urban environment is associated with an
increased prevalence of specific mental health disorders,
particularly schizophrenia
Present scenario

5.  In the American Psychological Association's Stress in
America Survey, major causes of stress listed included work,
money, and the economy
 Stress-related unhealthy habits were also reported, with
many Americans noting they were overeating or eating
unhealthy foods due to stress

6.  Research suggests that the risk of long-term disability
from low back pain can be reduced through early
intervention for depression and stress

7. Stress and life style problem
 Eating and Stress-Weight Gain, Eating Disorders
 Diabetes- Stress can exacerbate existing diabetes by
impairing the patient's ability to manage the disease
effectively
 Pain- Muscular and Joint Pain, Headaches
 Sleep Disturbances

8. Cont.
 Sexual and Reproductive Dysfunction- Sexual Function,
Premenstrual Syndrome, Fertility, Effects on Pregnancy,
Menopause
 Memory, Concentration, and Learning- Effect of Acute
Stress on Memory and Concentration
 Studies indicate that the immediate effect of acute stress
impairs short-term memory, particularly verbal memory

9. Cont.
 On the plus side, high levels of stress hormones during
short-term stress have been associated with enhanced
memory storage, improved working memory, and greater
concentration on immediate events
 Stroke
Prolonged or frequent mental stress causes an increase in
blood pressure, a risk factor for stroke and heart disease

10. Cont.
 Skin Disorders- Stress may worsen numerous skin
conditions, including hives, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea
and
 Stress - one of the most common causes of eczema
Unexplained itching may also be caused by stress
 Unexplained Hair Loss (Alopecia Areata)- occurs in
localized (individual) patches
 Teeth and Gums- increasing the risk for periodontal
disease, which can cause tooth loss and has been linked to
heart disease

11. Why should stress be designated as a public
health issues
Percentage Increase in Reported Emotional Health Issues
Between 2012-2014
Region Depression Stress Anxiety
Asia 73.0% 20.1% 32.1%
EMEA 41.7% 27.1% 84.2% N
America 25.6% . 32.7% 71.2%
Central and South
America
55.3% 40.9% 22.9%
The World Health Organization has called stress the “health
epidemic of the 21stcentury.”
Source: The American Psychological Association (APA), in Washington, DC(2014)

12. Why should stress be designated as a public
health issues
Burden of health problem related to stress
i. Heart diseases(High blood pressure, heart problem etc.)
ii. Asthma
iii. Obesity
iv. Diabetes
v. Alzheimer’s disease
vi. Gastrointestinal problems

13. Stress as Public health Issues
 The Depression Research in European Society (DEPRES)
survey, involving 78,463 adults, found a 6-month prevalence
rate of 17% for depressive disorders
 The US National Co-morbidity Survey (NCS) found that
17.3% of the general population had experienced an episode
of major depression and 24.5% had suffered from an anxiety
disorder at some time during their lives.
Source: The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Burden of Disease Survey -
2014
Stress in 21st century has arises as the Modern Day Hidden
Epidemic

14. Cont..
 Stress related issues cost US 13% of its GDP each year
 In US $49 million annual estimated loss for 10,000
employee company due to stress
 Similarly the rate of disability due to stress in US is 50 %
Source: The oxygen plan of US(Theoxygenplan.com)

15. Treatment
 Several strategies have been shown to help reduce stress,
such as exercise, practicing mindfulness-based stress
reduction (meditation and yoga), and engaging in a
cognitive behavioral therapy program
 Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to
help reduce the stress associated with many chronic
medical conditions, including back pain, arthritis, and
tinnitus (buzzing in the ears)

16.  Given today's technological advances, several pilot
projects are underway to assess the effects of "virtual
healing" using devices such as video game simulators
that might augment traditional stress management
therapies
 Mobile based intervention can be an appropriate option
to manage the stress level among the adult population
Source: http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/stress

17. Thank you