What is work related stress counselling?

Work lies at the heart of every community, from the smallest tribe to the biggest civilization. Work supports society, gives structure and purpose to life, keeps the body and brain occupied and promotes a sense of satisfaction. When work is rewarding and enjoyable, it can provide a lifetime’s worth of wealth and fulfilment. However, when it causes unhappiness and stress, it can make life utterly miserable.

Work related stress counselling is increasing in Britain. Increasing numbers of people report feeling undervalued, overworked, underpaid and unfulfilled in the workplace – feelings that can lead to further complications with mental health. Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and even suicidal thoughts can all be triggered by work related stress, along with physical health problems, relationship issues, sleep loss and feelings of self-doubt and inferiority.

What is work related stress?

Work related stress is quite simply a form of stress caused by things that happen at work. Challenge is a normal part of having a job, and most people enjoy it to a certain extent. However, when those challenges override the ability to cope, the body and mind can begin to suffer. While stress is a natural and useful human response, in excess it can be very unhealthy and cause all sorts of havoc across the body, including headaches, high blood pressure and depression.

The impact of work related stress

The UK government is taking steps to crack down on work related stress due to the far-reaching problems it causes both socially and financially. An estimated 13.4 million sick days are taken for work related stress every year, costing employers around £3.7 billion annually in lost productivity and £7 billion to the wider economy.

Why are we so stressed?

Of course, focussing on financial figures can only get us so far. The real issue here is that more and more people are suffering because of work. Life in the 21st century is undoubtedly fast-paced, highly stimulating and competitive. Technologies move fast and companies have to race to keep up – which of course puts pressure on employees to increase the pace. While some people prosper in this kind of environment, others don’t. According to The Independent, the suicide rate began to rise in the very same year the recession hit in 2008. Before that, the suicide rate had been on the fall for a decade, suggesting that job cuts, pay cuts and mounting pressures at work may be contributing to the nation’s deteriorating mental health.

Signs of work related stress

All forms of work can be stressful, regardless of a person’s salary, industry, or position. When work starts to get too much, you might start to experience physical and psychological symptoms. It’s important to listen to your body so you can get help when you need it. Ignoring your body’s messages will only make you ill while exacerbating your work problems.

Ask yourself this:

1. Have your habits changed recently?

• Sleep deprivation – One of the most common symptoms of work related stress is sleep deprivation. It’s no good if you’re lying awake at night mulling over things that happen at work. Sleep deprivation can make you feel grumpy, tired and slow. It’s a vicious cycle – work related stress deprives you of sleep, while sleep deprivation makes it more difficult for you to concentrate and perform well at work.

• Eating habits – Overeating and under-eating are both classic signs of stress. Some people reach for junk food when they’ve had a particularly rough day, while others avoid food when they feel down. If you’ve noticed a change in your appetite then it could be down to stress. It’s important to consider how food affects how you function on a daily level. Are you getting enough energy? Are you putting on weight? Even the slightest change in your behavioural habits can impact your body and mind.

• Smoking and drinking – When you feel stressed out you might be tempted to reach for something that calms your nerves and distracts you from your thoughts. Cigarettes and alcohol can offer temporary relief and distraction from stress but in the end they will only make the problems worse. When you start to smoke and drink for emotional reasons, you put yourself at great risk of alcoholism and smoking addiction. Soon you may not be able to cope without these substances, leading to severe health problems like heart disease, cancer and organ failure. If you’ve started smoking and drinking more lately it’s worth asking yourself why.

• Mood swings – It can be difficult to control our emotions in stressful situations. You might find yourself getting really angry one minute and feeling fine the next. This can be disastrous in a professional environment and it’s a clear sign that you’re unable to cope with the level of stress you’re experiencing.