Converge International

In my own work experience as a psychologist and manager of the Rapid Response Centre, I have noticed an increase in calls from callers considering suicide.  It seems that as people are impacted by the financial global crisis their life pressures build, impacting on their work role and often relationships and family life.  When these stress levels increase they may lead to the loss of a close relationship and / or job and everything in life seems to spiral.  Some individuals find it difficult to cope and don’t know where to turn.  Suicide becomes the only way out even though the individuals rarely want to stop living. Although there is no direct evidence to prove that the global crisis contributes to suicide we are seeing the increased numbers in suicidal callers and managers who are calling to seek support for employees who have expressed a desire to end their life. It can be difficult as a manager, coworker or even a family member to know what to do when someone we care for says they want to end their life so it is important to know how to reach out and help someone in need.  Take any threats of suicide seriously and know there are lots of different ways to help someone. The following are some ways: (more…)

It is amazing what a crisis can do!  It can bring people together; tear them apart; get them to focus on ‘things’ that matter; and bring out creativity and innovation in ways not previously envisaged. Churchill, during the war noted that the crisis of that time was the best and worst event that happened to Britain.  Everyone was prepared to help fight a common enemy!  More people went to Church; more focus was given to the reality of life; there was less crime; and people worked for very little because of the ultimate goal. This current financial crisis has similar tones.  Obama’s inaugural speech certainly rallied the interests of the world around a new era of hard work, prosperity and the need for new ways to solve past problems. In business today, (more…)

As another year comes to a close, it prompts me to reflect on the past year and in particular the events of the last few months and the impact they’ve had on stress levels across the country.

Many Australians are finding that the financial crisis has overwhelmed their coping resources and are turning to employee support services to find a way to deal with the stress.  The speed of the increased number of requests for support has been startling.  Specialising in organisational health, our research here at Converge International has revealed a 54% increase in stress-related counselling since December 2007.  This sharp rise has directly coincided with the economic climate of rising interest rates, plummeting share markets and the global financial crisis. (more…)