'It's nice to have someone around'

The number of suicide cases in urban metropolises is increasing, as city residents are more vulnerable compared to those in remote areas. Urban people are exposed to a variety of socio-political factors that contribute to higher stress levels, psychiatrists say. The Jakarta Post asked residents how they deal with stressful days at work.

Suradi, 47, works as a taxi driver in Jakarta. His wife and seven children live in Cikampek, Purwakarta:

Of course I often feel very tired and tense. To prevent the tiredness which may lead to stress, I usually jog around my house or around the taxi depot.

I work in air-conditioned car almost the whole day. So jogging helps me feel refreshed.

I actually prefer badminton. But playing badminton means extra money to buy shuttlecocks.

Kurniawan, 27, is a freelance writer. He lives in Central Jakarta:

Usually whenever I feel tired I watch a movie at home because it makes me feel relaxed.

Star-gazing or watching the sunset sometimes helps me relax too.

I think it is nice to have someone to share our problems with, or a girlfriend. But at the moment I am alone again.

--The Jakarta Post