Bus driver’s account highlights risks of stress
Stress is potentially a silent killer in many respects. Many people have succumbed to its destructive influence. Experts say chronic stress is dangerous to our physical and mental health. It can lead to early death from heart disease, cancer and other health problems. It can also drive people insane and suicidal. On both counts, it can be deadly.
The dramatic account of a bus driver’s jump over the Rewa Bridge in a suicide attempt is a perfect example. He admitted he was so stressed it drove him to carry out the act.
Fortunately, a neighbour saved him.
This is a traumatic experience for his family, particularly his wife and children.
Stress is an integral part of mental health and is caused by several factors that must be dealt with early. If it goes undetected and untreated for a period of time it could lead to tragic consequences.
The bus driver must have been mulling over his personal challenges and when he could not see any solution, he tried to take the easy way out – to try to end his life.
There are several triggers. One could be the financial impact of COVID-19. It is not known how many people are going down the same road taken by the bus driver. What we know is that it is the wrong road. It is not right to take your own life.
Those on this road need to realise that there is help available as a soon as they show early symptoms. They need counsellors who will refer them to specialists who are qualified and trained to help them overcome their problems.
If you know and see someone who needs specialist help, you can refer them to experts who can intervene.
Suicidal tendencies are the end result of mental health problems. If they are not treated early they could lead to tragedy
The bus driver’s case is a sombre reminder that his kind of problem exists in our communities. And we must proactively deal with it.