Stress increases by 54% with financial crisis
Friday, January 9th, 2009 [ Posted by Dr Lindsay McMillan ]
Our latest Research has revealed there is a 54% increase in stress-related counselling since December 2007. The sharp rise in stress has coincided with rising interest rates, plummeting share markets and the global financial crisis.
The Medibank Private commissioned research indicates that stress costs Australian business more than $10 billion annually. This sharp rise in stress counselling has significant implications for Australian businesses.
The chart below tracks the change in the Converge International Business Mental Health Index (CIBMHI)* against the ASX / S&P 200 Index. The CIBMHI exhibited no long term change during the growth phase of the ASX / S&P 200 Index. With a small time lag, the CIBMHI began its upward trajectory in line with the declining share market.