Nearly half of women believe work has a negative impact on their mental hea t. That’s because work often exacerbates issues such as stress, depression and anxiety. Negative Impact on Your Mental Health?
The survey found that Gen Xers are more likely to say their job has a bad impact on them than other groups, possibly because they’re still 10 to 20 years away from retirement and may be caring for parents.
Stress
Stress can come from many sources, such as finances, relationships and major life changes. Long-term stress can lead to health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease.
Getting the right amount of sleep and exercising regularly can help reduce stress levels. It’s also important to spend time with friends and family and prioritize leisure activities.
In addition, it can be helpful to identify what is causing your stress and learn coping strategies. This can include finding ways to manage time and reducing your workload, seeking therapy or attending a support group, practicing meditation and prioritizing self-care.
Workers under 30 are more likely to report fair or poor mental health, which could be related to a greater burden of student loans and other financial obligations or their inability to find work after leaving school. In contrast, older workers are more likely to say their job has a positive impact on their mental health. This could reflect advancements in their careers or a shift to more satisfying work.
Depression
Depression can affect how much energy you have, make it hard to think clearly and lead to feelings of hopelessness. It can also cause physical symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping or headaches. Depression is a serious mental illness that requires treatment to help you feel better.
People who feel they have decent work — including jobs with reasonable schedules and adequate pay — are less likely to suffer from stress and depression, according to a report published in October by US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. He noted that workers who felt their employers supported them with pandemic-related issues, racial injustices and returning to work after leave were more satisfied with their jobs.
If you notice that you’re struggling, reach out to a support network of friends and family members. Consider finding a therapist, who can help you identify and treat mental health problems early.
Anxiety
Anxiety can lead to other mental health problems, including depression, sleep disorders and recurring headaches. It can also contribute to a lack of energy, which makes it difficult to function at work.
Getting help early is key to managing anxiety. A therapist or doctor can recommend psychotherapy techniques to ease symptoms, or offer prescription medications. Complementary treatments such as mindfulness and yoga are also helpful for lowering anxiety.
Although anxiety can be uncomfortable, it does provide a message to explore what in your life needs changing, says Sheila Tucker, a licensed associate marriage and family therapist with Heart Mind & Soul Counseling in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. “Anxiety can bring up things that might need to change, and force us to look at those areas of our lives.”
A journalist explores the beast called “monkey mind”—the restless, cluttered state of the brain—in this New York Times bestseller. She interviews experts (including the Dalai Lama) and shares her own experience with this common, but treatable condition needs read more hear.
