What is work related stress?
Having a job can have huge benefits for your mental health, as it provides you with routine and structure, a source of income, and opportunities to gain achievements and experience success. However, sometimes issues within your workplace can make your job a source of stress.
Stress is the body’s way of responding to situations that are demanding or which may be threatening. When we experience a sense of threat, our bodies go into ‘fight or flight’ mode where they release stress hormones to prepare for emergency action to protect us from danger. Being under pressure is normal and sometimes a sense of threat can be a good motivator to make you take action and get results. For example, knowing you have an impending deadline might make you work more efficiently. However, tight deadlines, long hours, difficult colleagues, and seemingly endless demands can end up causing extreme and/or frequent stress that is overwhelming. This stress can affect your productivity and work performance, harm your physical and mental health, and impair your relationships and home life.
Some of the common symptoms of stress include:
• Memory problems
• Inability to concentrate
• Anxious or racing thoughts
• Constant worry
• Irritability or short temper
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Moodiness
• Aches and pains
• Chest pains
• Procrastination or neglecting responsibilities
• Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)
If you feel that you are experiencing extreme or frequent stress, therapy can help you to understanding current causes of stress in your life and identify what factors might be making your stress worse. Your therapist can also teach you effective strategies to manage your stress, including relaxation techniques, which will greatly improve your day to day functioning and quality of life.
Which therapies might help?
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
The psychologists at My Online Therapy have considerable experience and expertise in stress management.
