5 ways to tell if your work-related stress is a problem

A bit of stress at work can be motivating – a little pressure can make you more productive and give you a sense of achievement.  But what happens when that stress gets too much?
 
Here are 5 indicators that work-related stress may have become a problem:

​1. Having negative thoughts
You feel unhappy, sad, or even depressed, the majority of the time and find it difficult to see the positives in a situation, both in and out of work.
 
2. Trouble sleeping or sleeping more
You’re finding it hard to get to sleep and thoughts and worries go round and round your head, or you wake up in the middle of the night and find it hard to get back to sleep.  Conversely, you could be sleeping more, but wake up feeling tired and groggy.
 
3. Feeling irritable
You’re snappy with family and friends, or find it hard to relax or sit still for any period of time.
 
4. Change in eating/drinking habits
You’re eating too much (comfort eating) or eating very little because you’re feeling too sad or irritable, or you may be drinking alcohol more than usual.
 
5. Physical health symptoms
You’re experiencing headaches or feeling sick, or maybe experiencing dizziness, or feeling so run down you catch every cough/cold going.
 
This list is far from exhaustive, but if you are experiencing any of these, then it’s time to do something about it…  This could be talking to your manager about your workload, finding ways to switch off after work (see my blogs on self-care and anxiety), or seeking professional help such as consulting a doctor or seeing a counsellor.
 
Remember, experiencing work-related stress is nothing to be ashamed of.  Everyone is unique and has different responses to pressure and stress.  You deserve to happy and healthy at work, both physically and mentally.
 
If you would like to talk more about how work-related stress is affecting you and find out how counselling could help, then drop me a wee line via my contact me page.
 
Take care,
Becky