Bengaluru: Looming layoffs trigger sleep trouble among IT professionals | Bengaluru News – Times of India

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[google-translator]

BENGALURU: “I just don’t get sleep these days. The only thing that we hear about now is layoffs. I keep wondering if I will have my job or not,” said Vinita Tiwari, an associate software engineer.

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Pushed to the edge after whispers about ‘redeployment’ intensified in her company’s corridors, Vinita even consulted a sleep specialist last week and was told that her sleep problems are triggered by anxiety.
Her US-based company had drawn up plans to fire 450 employees at multiple locations, including in Bengaluru. “It would be much easier if we are told if we are going to be fired or be part of the going-forward team. But when there is no communication, the suspense takes a toll. I have a housing loan to clear and school fees to pay for the little ones,” said Vinita.
Her predicament is not an isolated one. Thousands of employees in the IT sector have come under psychological stress amid looming layoffs. A good number of them are seeking medical intervention for issues like sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression. “We do get such cases (sleeplessness) in OPD,” said Dr Shantanu Tandon, senior ENT surgeon, airway and sleep apnea specialist at Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru. Those in the 35-45 age group are the ones worst affected by layoffs, he added. IT professional Neelima, 38, said: “It is like a sword hanging on everyone’s head. Till we get more clarity, everyone is working under pressure.”
Doctors said anxiety surrounding layoffs could cause phobic disorders that lead to generalised anxiety which, in turn, could affect and delay the onset of sleep.
“Any transient anxiety of layoffs could lead to sleep fragmentation. It means frequent awakening and no sense of complete refreshing sleep,” said Dr Satyanarayana Mysore, chairman of Pulmonology, Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru.
For many young working professionals, layoffs are causing an existential crisis. Product manager Manish (name changed on request), who lost his job last week, said: “I have lost my sleep too. I have some financial commitments and the fear of the unknown engulfs me when I close my eyes. How will I take care of my family?”
“You can have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep if you suffer from an anxiety problem. Similarly, if you suffer from a sleep issue, you may experience anxiety or panic before sleep because you worry that you won’t receive enough sleep,” observed Dr Srivasta Lokeshwaran, consultant, interventional pulmonology at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru.
However, some like Sanika Patil, who was working with a startup in Bengaluru and shattered to the core when she got laid off on November 7, are finding ways to come to terms with the devastating event.
“With mass layoffs, you barely get an explanation as to why you were specifically chosen to be got rid of. It’s a shock that carries over while looking for another job too. Every time I hunt for a job, I feel anxious, with self-doubt creeping in all the time as to whether I’m good enough or not,” said Sanika, who now spends her entire day doing nothing, except playing with her pet cat.
Experts say it is important to learn to be kind to oneself in these uncertain times. “Do not blame yourself for things that are beyond your control,” said professor Harish T, consultant, department of psychiatry in Nimhans. “We are often advised to be kind to others. It is good to be kind to others as well as ourselves,” he added.

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