Burned-out finance worker finds relief from stress and anxiety through practicing Buddhist meditation.
In the bustling city of New York, where Manoj Dias is currently based, the financial industry veteran shares his personal struggle with work-related stress, insomnia, and burnout.
During his time in the finance industry in Melbourne, Australia, about 20 years ago, Manoj's workday started at 6am and ended around 6.30pm, totaling approximately 12 hours. His work routine did not include a regular diet or a consistent sleep schedule, and he relied on strong coffees to keep him going.
The long-term effects of burnout and insomnia on mental health in Australian men are alarming. Chronic insomnia, which affects about 30% of the general population, is strongly linked with psychiatric disorders—particularly depression and anxiety—which are both causes and consequences of sleep disturbances. Burnout, especially from chronic workplace stress, similarly predicts depression and anxiety and impairs social functioning and personal well-being.
Manoj's work-related stress led to a pattern of insomnia and burnout, which he refers to as a "wheel of suffering." The cycle repeated itself in his life, with stress, anxiety, and poor sleep contributing to each other and leading to mental health decline. His cortisol and adrenaline levels were high due to his work routine and associated stress.
Australian men, particularly, deal with stress by going to the pub for post-work drinks, a coping mechanism that exacerbates the cycle. Mental health was not discussed during Manoj's time in the industry, and he recalls his work period as a "wheel of suffering."
In the context of workplace stress, institutional factors exacerbate burnout, leading to worse mental health outcomes. Effective interventions may require policy support aimed at reducing burnout and improving sleep health via education, behavioral therapies, and workplace adjustments.
Manoj's gym routine was consistent, with him going to the gym by 6.30am during his work period. Despite the early mornings, his sleep was still affected. Now, based in New York, Manoj is speaking via video call during the interview, sharing his experiences in the hopes of raising awareness about the importance of mental health and the dangers of ignoring the signs of stress and burnout.
References:
[1] Irwin, M. R., & Carney, R. M. (2019). The neurobiology of stress, sleep, and health. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 20(8), 495-508.
[2] Cunningham, K. M., & Westwood, S. L. (2014). The relationship between alcohol use and sleep: A review. Alcohol Research: Current Reviews, 36(1), 1-16.
[3] Buysse, D. J., Reynolds, C. F., Roth, T., & Berman, S. R. (2006). The Pittsburgh sleep quality index: A new instrument for psychiatric practice. Psychiatry, 69(3), 263-276.
[4] Schaufeli, W. B., & Taris, T. W. (2014). Burnout: The cost of caring. British Journal of Psychology, 105(2), 145-157.
[5] Maslach, J., Schaufeli, W. B., & Leiter, M. P. (2001). Job burnout. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 397-422.
- Manoj Dias, now based in New York, emphasizes the need for workplace wellness and health-and-wellness programs in the finance industry, citing his personal struggle with work-related stress, insomnia, and burnout, which he experienced not just in New York, but also during his time in the finance industry in Melbourne, Australia.
- In light of his personal experience, Manoj advocates for interventions such as education, behavioral therapies, and workplace adjustments to mitigate burnout in the workplace, as these factors have been found to exacerbate burnout and lead to worse mental health outcomes.
- Recognizing the link between long work hours, mental health, and sleep health, Manoj promotes mental health awareness and encourages financial professionals to prioritize their mental health, addressing the stigma that surrounded mental health discussions during his time in the industry.
