BLO Mental Health: Under what pressure are BLOs working, what is the reason behind heart attack and suicide?:

News Topical, Digital Desk : BLO SIR Workload: The second phase of SIR is underway across the country in 12 states and union territories. The final voter list is scheduled to be released on February 7, 2026. Meanwhile, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are working under immense stress due to the ever-increasing workload.

According to media reports, a senior teacher involved in SIR work committed suicide by jumping in front of a train at the Bindayaka railway crossing. In his suicide note, he wrote that he was being pressured by an official regarding SIR work, which broke him down.

In Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, a BLO committed suicide due to work pressure. In Kerala, on Sunday, a BLO, Anish George (44), was found hanging at his home in Payyanur, Kannur. Furthermore, in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, a BLO working on the Special Intensive Revision of Voter Lists (SIR) program died of a heart attack. Let us explain why cases of heart attack and suicide are increasing.

Why are cases of suicide and heart attack increasing?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people attempt suicide in the workplace for various reasons. This is also the case with BLOs. There may be several reasons why BLOs are taking such steps. These include:

ever-increasing work pressure

When responsibilities far exceed capacity, as is the case with BLOs during SIR, both the body and mind are constantly stressed. This long-term stress impacts the heart and increases the risk of heart attack.

deadline pressure

The fear of missing deadlines, the constant follow-ups from superiors, and the mental fatigue of submitting reports as quickly as possible all take a heavy toll on the mind. Many people simply cannot handle the pressure and break down.

Complete loss of work-life balance

When work becomes so much that there is no time left for family, rest, sleep and self, then the body's recovery stops, mental fatigue increases and the heart becomes weak.

Hormonal changes in the body due to constant stress

Under prolonged stress, the body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. This increases heart rate, causes hypertension, increases blood clotting, and disrupts sleep. All of these are major risk factors for heart attacks.

Fear of error and pressure from above

When every mistake is met with the fear of reprimand, complaint, or suspension, a person lives in constant anxiety. This anxiety can gradually lead to mental illness, panic, depression, and ultimately, suicide.

How to manage mental health under extreme stress?

If you ever feel things are getting out of hand or your emotional distress is deepening, seek help immediately from a trusted person, expert, or helpline. Help is real and truly makes a difference. What you can do is stop and take control when work pressure becomes unbearable. Break down your work into smaller chunks. Prioritize what's important and what can wait, and be okay with saying no if necessary.