Introduction:
Stress is a feeling of strain or tension that arises due to various pressures in life. Even a job that one enjoys can have stressful elements. However, when work stress becomes chronic, it can have negative effects on both emotional and physical health.
Positive stress, also known as eustress, is a mild form of stress that can be beneficial for an individual's mental and physical well-being. It can motivate and energize a person, enabling them to take a fresh approach to problems, leading to improved performance. However, negative stress or distress, which is linked to work-related causes, is associated with negative emotions, anxiety, discomfort, and decreased performance. It can also lead to mental and physical health issues if it persists for an extended period.
Signs and Symptoms:
Work-related stress can lead to a range of psychological and physical symptoms:
- Physical symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, back pain, digestive issues, changes in weight, and respiratory problems.
- Psychological symptoms may include irritability, low mood, decreased productivity, absenteeism, cynicism, and difficulty with self-criticism.
Additionally, people experiencing work-related stress may struggle to disconnect from work, lack motivation, and may turn to excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption.
Causes:
Work-related stress can be caused by various factors including long hours, excessive workloads, tight deadlines, organizational changes, lack of support, or harassment.
The HSE (Health & Safety Executive Committee) recommends asking yourself a series of questions to determine if your workload is unmanageable, such as if you can cope with the demands of your job, control the way you work, receive enough support, experience relationship problems or bullying, understand your role and responsibilities, or feel disengaged during a business change.
If the answer is no, you may be experiencing an excessive level of workplace stress.
Happetive, your mental wellbeing companion, understands the importance of mental health in daily life. We offer Self-Help Tools and self-care resources, with Therapy Support available whenever you need it.