THE recession is taking its toll on marriages as worries about finances and job security spiral into disagreements and fights.

FEELING depressed because her husband often lost his temper after he was retrenched recently, Mrs Mary Tan (not her real name) began seeing a psychiatrist. The Tans are among a growing number of couples seeking help for their marital woes as a result of the recession. ... more RELATED LINKS  TIPS TO SAVE MARRIAGE

Clinical psychologist Marina Yap at the Centre for Effective Living in Camden Medical Centre said she is seeing 40 per cent more of such cases this year, compared to last year.

Ms Yap usually sees about two couples in a year. Since the beginning of this year, however, she has seen eight couples so far.

These cases usually 'centre on the grief of job loss, disagreement in finance management and lack of quality time together due to working overtime', she said.

Dr Adrian Wang, a consultant psychiatrist at Dr Adrian Wang Psychiatric and Counselling Care, said he saw a similar increase in such cases 'triggered by job and financial worries', compared to a year ago.

'Many men feel that their jobs define them. To lose it results not only in financial loss, but also a loss of face and purpose in their lives. They get cranky and upset,' said Dr Wang.

Besides the stress of being laid off, somemen are also reluctant to face their wife's changing expectations, such as helping out with household chores, and this could lead to tension in the marriage, said counsellors.

There are also times when the wife is unsupportive of the retrenched husband and this may cause depression for the men.

'Their wives don't seem to understand the gravity of the situation and continue to demand that they live the lifestyle they're accustomed to,' said Dr Wang. -- MY PAPER