Work-related Stress and Burnout
We can all face pressure at work, regardless of our job title, experience on the job or our age. Sometimes pressure can motivate and make us more productive, but, too much pressure can become stressful. If this pressure goes on for too long, it can affect our happiness and quality of life, leaving us feeling physically and mentally unwell – and, possibly, leading to burnout.
There are different techniques you can try to help manage stress at work, but if you have been experiencing it for some time and it is affecting your daily life or causing you distress, you should consider seeking help and support.
If you are experiencing stress in the workplace, you might notice changes in your behaviour at work, because of the way your thoughts and feelings affect you.
These changes can make it harder to be productive, and can negatively impact your behaviour and quality of work.
If you’re constantly under pressure in your job, this can lead to burnout – a state of physical and emotional exhaustion.
Be aware of any of the following changes, which may indicate that you are nearing burnout:
- always seeing things in a negative perspective
- feeling withdrawn, losing your drive and motivation
- intense emotional reactions – for example, being more tearful, sensitive or aggressive
- avoiding certain tasks
- decreasing self confidence
- low self-esteem
- working longer hours
- working through holidays
There is no single cause of stress at work and what may lead to feelings of stress differs from person to person.
These are the main situations that may cause work-related stress:
- a lack of control of your workload
- high demands on your time and energy and lack of clarity about responsibilities
- fear of redundancy or changes
- poor line management and lack of support
- difficult relationships with colleagues
- bullying or harassment in the workplace
- workplace discrimination
If you feel that you are suffering from work-related stress, it is important that you talk to someone that you trust. This can be someone within your own workplace, or it can be someone who is a trained professional, who can help you.
Talking about how you feel and the pressure you are under can help. Speaking to your manager or a colleague gives them a chance to help improve things for you.
You may also benefit from extra help and support by talking with a counsellor/psychotherapist
Small things, like shifting your perspective, reframing negative thoughts and looking at problem solving in a practical way are good cognitive behavioural techniques (CBT) skills, which a trained professional therapist can help you with
I am a very experienced counsellor/psychotherapist (speclialising in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) and, if you need help and support with work-related stress, I am here to help you – before you might be approaching burnout.
You can call me on my mobile (07913 979561) for a free, initial, 20 minutes telephone consultation or you can complete this Contact Form.