The change in routine has caused people to make adjustments to their habitual ways of living. One thing is adapting to the “new normal” setup at the workplace. This change forced people not to get fixated on dealing with the old but to put up with what was new. And change isn’t always easy. It can sometimes be uncomfortable, exhausting, and ruins your mental stability.
How Does Work Affect Your Mental Health?
Whether you are new to a job or have been working long enough, you have ways of preserving your mental state. According to the World Health Organization, 264 million people live with depression. Many of these people also suffer from symptoms of anxiety.
The pressure of workload affects your relationship with yourself and your environment. It may lead to several Mental Health conditions. These Mental Health conditions are common in the workplace. You might think it is you who have changed and not your job, but in reality, you are dealing with a mental illness.
Is it Depression and Anxiety, or Am I Stressed?
People sometimes overlook the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Doctors define anxiety as excessive worry and fear. They characterize depression as having a low mood or a feeling of despair. In some cases, self-harm ideation. Depression and anxiety are two different conditions. Know that they can happen both at the same time.
Most of the time, people use the two terms synonymous with stress. It is necessary to know the difference between these terms for your self-awareness. According to Licensed Professional Counselor Julianne Schroeder, symptoms look similar. But “stress” is often external, while “depression” and “anxiety” are internal responses.
Stress is your reaction to a threat. Depression and anxiety are your reactions to stress.
In the workplace, there are common symptoms of both depression and anxiety.
- People may feel on edge.
- They tend to worry about the things they have to do.
- They find it difficult to concentrate and do tasks.
- They get irritated
- They often experience fatigue.
You and Your Work Environment
There are a couple of reasons why people are struggling with making mental health a priority. On top of the list is that people love to glamorize overworking. They think grinding and hustling too much is a trophy of excellence they can keep. They must remember that doing their best is not a prerequisite to mental exhaustion.
Sometimes, people set high expectations for themselves and their job. It allows them to ruin the realistic condition that happens in the workplace. Life, in its very nature, is stressful. You have to understand that some things can get out of hand. If you are in a work environment that is toxic, be unapologetic. Establishing your boundaries is imperative. Know that you may not be able to control the things around you, but you can control yourself. Be in alignment with your thoughts, words, and behavior.
People Pleasing and Perfectionism as Factors
Many are in denial that they have people-pleasing tendencies. This roots in excessive worrying about how other people look at you. You may feel underappreciated for what you do. Saying no to everybody is hard for you. You also feel burdened by the responsibilities. At the same time, you tend to avoid an argument and pretend to agree with everyone. Muster all the courage to confront all your unresolved emotions. It shadows the real you. Remember, some things are not for you, and you are not for them. Don’t waste your time trying to prove to people your value. Make sure that every time you say “yes” to somebody, you are not saying “no” to yourself.
Perfectionism also hurts. While not considered a mental disorder, Psychologists define this as excessive self-evaluation. It links with depression and anxiety. If you are critical of yourself, you are also becoming critical of your workmates. Unrelenting high standards are destructive behavior. Stop the habit of working endless shifts to meet these standards. Cliche as this may sound, you must not be harsh to yourself. Being a perfectionist impedes productivity.
Ways to Reduce Work-Related Depression and Anxiety
The workplace is a value system. Your job is not the only thing that society tells you to have. Don’t be so hardworking that you forget to work on yourself and your social interactions.
- Start with being aware and developing healthy coping mechanisms. Listen to songs that make you happy, call a friend, or treat yourself to small wins and progress.
- Create habits for self-care. Making a healthy routine as soon as you wake up and before you sleep helps maintain a peaceful mind. The tiny steps you do now will manifest in your mental and physical stability in the future.
- Have a good sleep and eat a healthy diet. Mental Health conditions manifest in physical symptoms. It leaves your body in a fight and flight mode. Make sure you get the right energy to get through the day.
- Never hesitate to seek help. Talk to someone who can listen and understand your condition. Reach out to a family member, a friend, or a Mental Health professional.
The “new normal” brought about many challenges. Even as simple as going to check-ups has become difficult due to fear of contact with the Covid-19 virus. Medical services are available online to assist you with your Mental Health problems. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a Psychiatrist or Psychologist. They will help you cope with work-related Mental Health issues.
COVID19 crisis update:
Online services only are available
Following the directions of the Government, our clinics will be unavailable. Online services are available through Booking an Appointment. Mental health prescriptions and refills will be sent digitally for use in your local pharmacy.
Patients require an internet connection and a mobile phone or computer with a microphone. Pricing is between 2000 - 2500 pesos per session. Spots are limited, payment upfront is required to secure a slot.
Our mental health team will call you within 12 hours to assist you booking a time slot with a clinician.
Want to learn more about our services?
Our Psychologists implement person-centric methodologies to instil self-understanding among patients.
Psychiatrists help treat mental health issues firstly by assessing mental and physical symptoms.
Our EAP is designed to assist your employees and resolve mental health problems .