We are all too familiar with stress, no thanks to our hectic lifestyle, which can tax our health.

“With Singaporeans leading faster-paced lives, we spend less time on developing and maintaining our social relationships. These are vital as family and friends are an important source of support in times of stress,” said Dr Mok Yee Ming, a psychiatrist at the Institute of Mental Health.

In Singapore, new cases of depression have risen from 12 per cent in 2005 to 16 per cent last year.

Depression
A consequence of all this is depressive disorders. The World Health Organization has noted that, globally, depressive disorders were the third leading cause of burden in 2004 and they are predicted to top the list by 2030.

Burden refers to the number of healthy years lost through early death or disability because of one’s illness.

In general, depressive disorders involve low mood and energy levels, an inability to enjoy things, as well as poor sleep, appetite and focus, said Dr Mok. In severe cases, sufferers may even have thoughts of suicide, he said.

Teeth grinding
Stress is also a push factor for nocturnal bruxism, or clenching of the jaws during sleep. “In a highly stressed population, there are increasing numbers of people who grind and clench their teeth unconsciously,” said Dr Helena Lee, a peridonist with Specialist Dental Group. The teeth will show signs of wear that is advanced for the person’s age and teeth can break from excessive grinding.

Neglecting the body
Because of a chronic lack of time and fatigue from long hours at work or studying, many also neglect basic hygiene practices like brushing of teeth. This results in dental caries, or tooth decay, as well as peridontitis, or gum infection. Good teeth may have to be extracted, said Dr Lee.

To avoid these health traps, it is important to have a good work-life balance, said Dr Mok. “Work hard, but take care of your body by  having sufficient rest and exercise,” he said. “A healthy body helps to keep the mind resilient to the stressors in life.”

In addition, set time aside for family and friends, or de-stress by taking up a hobby, he added.

Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, said Dr Lee. “Gum disease and dental caries are painless in their early stages. When pain occurs, the destruction of tooth and gum bone may be irreversible.”