Work Stress and Burnout
What is Work Stress and Burnout?
The act of work takes up a large part of our lives. From an early age we are encouraged to consider our working identity and the kind of activities we might be suited for enabling us to earn money and financially support ourselves. It makes sense that an activity which comprises that many hours of our life might throw up difficult situations.
The pressures of work stress are made all the more challenging because of how intrinsically work factors in our everyday lives. We might have dependents who rely on us, children and partners, which can make it hard for us to know what to do to change the stress and frustration we feel. As the pressure mountswe place more and more stress onto our physical and emotional body leading to burnout.
Symptoms of Work Stress & Burnout
• Depression and anxiety
• Headaches
• Stomach and gut issues/Irritable bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Difficulty sleeping
• Irritability
• Nausea and vomiting
• Panic attacks
• Weight loss
• Self sabotaging behaviours; drugs, alcohol, sex, food, gambling
• Unable to detach from work/conflicts at home
• Loss of libido
• Fatigue
• Emotional dysregulation
• Impacting social relationships
• Power abuses
• Bullying and or sexual harassment
• Cultural obligation
• A debilitating sense of imposter syndrome
When to seek treatment for work stress & burnout?
We often try to convince ourselves that either there isn’t a problem or that we can handle it on our own. If you can identify with any of the symptoms in the list below then it is recommended you seek help. Not all work environments will recognise you are in need of support or indeed recommend you get some. City living places a significant amount of stress on individuals due to the fast pace of life and cost of living.
The Role of Psychotherapy in the Treatment of Work stress and Burnout
Speaking to someone who is independent and impartial allows for a new perspective. It can sometimes be hard to make decisions about work challenges with a loved one or boss who may be connected to the outcome. Together we can explore the reality of your work life and its impact on your health. When work begins to negatively impact your health it is no longer allowing you to achieve your goals in a constructive manner. We will work together to explore the specific work dynamics at play and your own emotional responses them and start to regulate the affect your work is having on all other areas of your life.
The Scream By Edvard Munch