Many people live with anxiety. In fact, there are different types and levels of anxiety, and they all cause varying symptoms. Sometimes it may feel like you can’t catch a break from anxiety. Anxiety may stem from many sources of stress, including your job. If you’re asking yourself if your job is the reason behind your anxiety, then it might be time to take a deeper look.
Normal Anxiety and Work
It’s normal to have a certain amount of stress and anxiety while working. If you feel pretty happy and enjoy what you do overall at work, then you may be experiencing the normal amount of workplace stress.
When your anxiety becomes overwhelming, it can have a major impact in your life and your ability to work. It’s important to talk with your supervisor if you feel like your anxiety or stress is becoming too high. If you feel uncomfortable talking with your supervisor, consider talking with your HR representative first.
How to Know If It’s Too Much Anxiety from Work
There’s a difference between normal workplace stress and anxiety and feeling completely unhappy and unwell from your workplace.
Some signs that you might have too much anxiety from work may include feeling:
- Extremely upset
- Frustrated all the time
- Angry for no apparent reason
- Trapped and unable to see a way out
- Crying more than usual
- Like you don’t want to go to work
If your job is causing you to feel like this, then it may be time to consider your options. You can check out job listings online or ask your friends if they know of anything. Maybe this is your chance to go back to school or try something new.
Working Helps Ease Anxiety, too
With the help of a trained mental health counselor, many people learn coping strategies. Practice coping strategies while you’re at work and consider developing a calming routine for your morning.
Your calming routine could include the following:
- Meditation
- Tai Chi
- Yoga
- Writing in a journal
- Deep breathing exercises
- Guided imagery
Starting your day calmly may help you stay relaxed throughout your workday. You can also use these techniques during work when you feel anxiety coming on.
Working at a job with normal amounts of stress is good for people with anxiety. You can continue to earn money and stay focused on something you enjoy doing. It’s also good for your self-esteem to work.
You’re Not Alone
Having anxiety may make you feel alone. Remember, you’re not alone. Anxiety is a common condition that affects 19 million children and adults in the United States. The workplace is often a trigger for anxiety symptoms, so having a coping strategy in place is important. Talk with your doctor about your anxiety and explain how it’s effecting your life.
