Work related mental health issues are unfortunately more common than ever
What you might brush off as being a bad day, week or even month could lead to something more serious before you even realise what is happening.
Work to live or live to work?
In modern society, more and more people are carving out a career for themselves, sometimes even putting commitments such as relationships and children on the back burner until they have reached where they want to be. They go to work, not just for the money, but for the bigger purpose – to help others, to provide a service, to be successful and so on. Equally, the expectation put upon us by our superiors is at an all time high, with the bar constantly rising. We put our heart and soul in to it and although we may benefit from that hard work in the form of bonuses, praise or a good old sense of achievement, but …
Is it all worth it?
What impact does this never ending attempt to reach for the stars have on our mental health? And what could be done to ensure that whilst we are striving to be the best that we can be, we also take the time to give our best to our physical and mental wellbeing?
Whose responsibility is it?
Employers have a duty of care to their staff and should provide a working environment and ethos that supports them whilst carrying out their duties. In reality, in this fast paced, target driven world, that isn’t always the case. Essentially, we are our own people and we owe it to ourselves to look after number one as best we can: eating regularly, having some down time during the day and participating in activities away from work purely for enjoyment. And possibly key – having someone to talk to on those tough days (and they happen for everyone). But is this realistic? Or is it a case of ‘if I get chance’?
How will you know when you (or your boss) has pushed too hard?
Common symptoms of work related stress or anxiety can include you feeling:
- like you can’t cope with your workload
- like it is hard to concentrate on a piece of work you need to do
- lacking in confidence, disappointed with yourself
- unmotivated
- indecisive
- low or variable in mood
- anxious or worried – dreading going to work
- more emotional – you might be more tearful or sensitive
- irritable, or having a short temper
- overwhelmed
You may also experience:
- feeling tired, run down or aches & pains
- chest pains or tightness in your chest
- loss of libido
And as a result you may:
- eat more or less than usual
- have trouble sleeping
- isolate yourself from others
- turn to alcohol, smoking or other drugs to feel better
If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, now is the time to do something about it.
Don’t feel like you are the only person that isn’t coping. Don’t feel like you are failing. What you may be experiencing is more common than you may think. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that ‘In 2017/18 stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 44% of all work-related ill health cases and 57% of all working days lost due to ill health.’
Remember – you are not alone. Talking about how you feel is the first step to taking back control. That could be with a friend, family member, work colleague or superior.
If you aren’t sure where to turn to for help, support, guidance, or just a listening ear, take a look at our online database Solis, at https://solis.directory/ to find a mental health service local to you.
By Lisa French, Psychological Assistant
Denver Arc 