UAE | General

Life on a budget spells poor health, psychiatrist warns

People who are struggling to survive with the rising inflation suffer great physical strain along with mental disturbances

  • By Sanya Nayeem, Community Journalist
  • Published: 23:59 August 12, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Managing weekly budgets is often a source of stress for middle-income families. Picture is for illustrative purposes.
  • Image Credit: Vazhisojan/Gulf News
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Constantly thinking about paying your bills, rising fuel costs, inflation and your tightening budget can hit you where it hurts most - your health.

Dr Padmaraju V., a psychiatrist at New Medical Centre in Abu Dhabi, said: "The burden of high expenses follows people like a shadow and undoubtedly has lasting effects on their well being."

More than 60 per cent of the patients that visit the centre for psychiatric or psychological counselling have stress-related problems. Dr Padmaraju said: "Financial difficulties usually cause this stress, and it happens across the strata of society. Everyone is facing the same problem."

Apart from developing a disturbed state of mind and experiencing anxiety, depression and lack of concentration, residents who are struggling to keep up with their budgets also undergo great physical strain.

Dr Padmaraju said: "There is a very real relationship between the mind and body and psychological troubles usually translate into physical weakness."

He added that sleeplessness and loss of appetite are common complaints among patients, along with migraines and body aches.

The challenge is to ensure that one retains good health while dealing with financial obligations. According to Dr Padmaraju, exercise is often neglected in today's hectic times. He said: "My patients usually say they do not have the luxury to spend time exercising, but it is vital to set aside a couple of hours every day to unwind in a healthy manner."

He advised residents to find a recreational pastime or a hobby that they enjoy, and urged meditation and relaxation exercises. Dr Padmaraju said: "Prevention is always better than cure. When you fail to devote some time for yourself, you are bound to end up unhealthy and at the doctor's, paying yet another bill."

According to Dr Padmaraju, the key is to ensure that your hobbies and stolen moments of relaxation are good for your health. He said: "Instead of swimming or taking a walk, people tend to smoke or have a big meal. This only makes matters worse."

Inflation: Expert comments

Raju Menon, managing partner of Morison Menon, an investment advisory fund based in the UAE, said the rising cost of living has "a huge impact" on consumers today.

According to him, the main reason for the escalating price rises are global inflation and hikes in rent.

"The problem is a global one and it is up to traders to work on a lower margin and take on some of the cost increases instead of passing it all on to the consumers," he said.

"Most essential items are imported in the UAE, which translates to higher costs for consumers," Menon said. He said that the overall net profit of businesses have fallen drastically from about 10 per cent to just four or five per cent.

An additional problem is the fact that consumers have no choice but to consume. "The only area where customers have some control is when it comes to non-essential goods and luxury items," Menon said.

He also advised consumers to avoid wasting food.

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