Economic stress is taking its toll on South Africans, with more suffering depression and even contemplating suicide.
The number of middle-aged men phoning help lines such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group is an indication that stress levels are on the rise. This is according to Dr Frans Korb, a psychiatrist and board member of the group.
Korb said depression used to be associated with women, who were more likely to ask for help, but the current economic climate had a serious effect on men as well.
"Stress is stress. Whether it is related to debt or divorce, stress is not a diagnosis, but a description of a condition," said Korb.
He said most people could handle it for short periods, but South Africans, and the rest of the world, were faced with continued economic stress.
"Every few months the interest rates go up, and the fuel price has been going up almost monthly," Korb said.
He said this constant bombardment of bad news was causing people to "freak out".
Professor of behavioural medicine, Lourens Schlebusch, author of Mind Shift - Stress Management and Your Health, said last year, when the economy first came under pressure, he was asked to assist because brokers were increasingly becoming suicidal.
"And the economy is in a much worse state now," he said.
Schlebusch said the first step in dealing with stress was to understand it.
He said stress affected people on three levels: psychologically, physically and behaviourally.
"Psychologically, it can lead to depression, and on a physical level, it can lead to psychosomatic disorders such as headaches and stomach complaints. Stressed people's behaviour can also change, like increasing drinking or smoking to cope," said Schlebusch.
The first South African Stress and Health Study released last year indicated that 15,8 percent of South Africans would suffer from anxiety disorders in their lifetime.
However, this figure could rise as South Africans were continuously stressed.
"Most people can handle stress for a short period and it can even be good for them, but now it is constant and people don't know when it is going to turn. This insecurity puts people under tremendous stress and can lead to depression," Korb said.
Apart from mental problems, depression can also lead to health problems.
Korb said the physical consequences could include changes in hormones that could later lead to ailments such as ulcers and irritable bowl syndrome.
Long-term stress and depression could have even more serious effects, such as a predisposition to high cholesterol, heart attack and insulin resistance.
The doctor said precautions included healthy eating and exercise.
People also needed to look after their psychological health.
"Take a break, spend time with your family, or go fishing," said Korb.
If the situation gets out of hand, Korb's advice is to seek professional help.
Although short-term stress would not have long-term effects, stressing for years is another matter.
Schlebusch said the part of the brain that was affected actually shrank, causing lasting damage.
Not only South Africans were taking strain.
According to an Associated Press-AOL Health poll, up to 16 million Americans are suffering due to debt.
Among those reporting high debt stress in the new poll, 27 percent had ulcers, 44 percent had migraines, 29% suffered severe anxiety and 23 percent had severe depression.
While the picture is bleak, Korb said there must be something positive to lift people's spirits.
"It must get better. There is always a positive aspect somewhere - your family, children or nature. Engage in something positive," he said.
Additional reporting: Sapa
o For more information visit the South African Anxiety and Depression Group at www.sadag.co.za