How work stress can affect your mental health

On average, we spend approximately 90,000 hours of our life in the workplace. Work can be a source of self-fulfillment or happiness but it can also cause serious mental health issues when stress is involved.

Work stress is defined as ‘the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker.’

When stress becomes overwhelming and prolonged, the risks for mental health problems and medical problems increase. This can include, but is not limited to, anxiety, depression, sleep problems and possible substance use.

A poor working environment could negatively affect workplace morale, which could lead to poor job performance, health issues and poor communication – all causing frustrations and stress.

Other things in the workplace which could negatively impact your mental health include excessive workload, poor pay and stigma.

As previously mentioned, job related stress can lead to both anxiety and depression. Anxiety is common and can interfere with your work life, especially if you’re suffering from work anxiety.

This type of anxiety can be caused by negative relationships with colleagues, poor job performance or struggling to meet deadlines. Anxiety can have a major negative impact on your life and work, and could even cause you to turn down opportunities for a promotion.

Unfortunately, depression can also a common mental health struggle for us all, and depending on the environment and level of support available to you, there can be devastating effects.

Some of the most common causes of depression related to employment are job insecurity, a lack of balance between home and work, a toxic work environment, and overwork.

Depression may also affect your ability to make decisions, manage time, complete physical tasks and communicate. It’s vital to diagnose depression early so you can treat it effectively.

When you have a mental health issue related to work, we recommend asking for help from a professional and other people close to you. You can talk to your doctor who may prescribe medication or a variety of talking therapies.

At BN SHE Consultancy, we are proud to offer a half day, one day and two-day Mental Health First Aid course. These courses give you the tools to handle work stressors confidently and also recognise mental illness amongst colleagues and employees.

Our highly recommended Mental Health First Aid Courses will run throughout 2022 and offer Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and a mental health skills and awareness programme.

We empower people to notice the signs of poor mental health and encourage them to break down barriers and to listen in a non-judgmental way. We are proud to show you how to seek help and to ensure your colleagues and employees make their way to recovery.

The courses cover some, or all, of the following:

  • An in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing
  • Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
  • Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress
  • Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgmental listening
  • Knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to seek further support – whether that’s through self-help, their employer, the NHS, or a combination of them all

If your business is looking for courses and support regarding mental health training, or you are interested in becoming a Mental Health First Aider, visit www.bnsheconsultancy.com/mental-health-first-aid-courses, or email info@bnshe.co.uk and we will be happy to help.

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