Work Related Stress
Work Related Stress & Counselling
Stress at work is a relatively new phenomenon of modern lifestyles. The nature of work has gone through drastic changes over the last decade added with the current recession and it is still changing at whirlwind speed.
It has left all professions untouched, from line operators to a surgeon, or a professional sportsperson to a company CEO and even politicians. With change comes stress , inevitably.
Professional stress or work related stress poses a serious threat to both mental and physical health. Work related stress in the life of organized workers, consequently, affects the health of organizations.
Work Related stress is best described as a chronic disease caused by conditions in the workplace that negatively affect an individual’s performance and/or overall well-being of his/hers body and mind.
One or more of a host of physical and mental illnesses manifests job stress. In some cases, Work related stress can and is disabling.
In chronic cases a psychiatric consultation is usually required to validate the reason and degree of work related stress.
Some people say ` I perform better under pressure `. However, if this condition is allowed to go unchecked and the body is revved up further, the performance ultimately declines and the person’s health degenerates.
Symptoms / Signs of work related stress
The signs of work related stress can and do vary from person to person, depending on the particular situation, how long the individual has been subjected to the stressors, and the intensity of the stress itself. Typical symptoms of job stress can be:
- Insomnia
- Loss of mental concentration
- Anxiety & stress
- Absenteeism
- Depression
- Substance abuse, Alcohol/drug
- Extreme anger and frustration
- Family conflict
- Physical illnesses such as heart disease, migraine, headaches, Irritable Bowel Symptoms and other stomach problems, and back problems
Low self esteem and self confidence and a huge disbelief in self ability are also Am I good enough, Do I deserve this Job/promotion, Will I be found out are just some of the negative thoughts that are common with work related stress
Making The Right Decision
A woman might need support or counselling to make a decision about whether or not to proceed with a pregnancy. An unwanted pregnancy may result in an adoption, fostering, an abortion or the decision to struggle to care for a baby. Some of the organisations, which offer pregnancy testing, and advice are not impartial and cannot offer objective help by offering all the information needed to make the right decision. Their information may be biased or limited. And promote their own viewpoint and this can increase guilt and anxiety for a woman faced with an unwanted pregnancy.
Making a decision to end a pregnancy can be simple for some, and more complex for others, depending on their temperament, their relationship and the pressures of the community they live in. Often the decision is made under extreme pressure, without consulting family or friends. In situations like this counselling can be useful. The most vulnerable women are those who are not in stable relationships, those suffering abuse and those under 16.
Causes of work related stress
- Work related stress
- Job Insecurity
- High Demand for Performance
- Unrealistic expectations
- Technology
- Workplace Culture
- Personal or Family Problems
Burnout
When under severe stress, an individual fails to take clear-cut decisions, re-evaluate and reassess the priorities and lifestyles, and ultimately, tend to fall into unproductive distractions. This can be described as a classic case of `burnout`. The `burnouts` often engage in reckless or risk-taking behaviours.
Chronic Responsibility Syndrome is a kind of burnout where people get mentally and physically exhausted from their workload. The symptom is often described as “there’s simply too much work to do, and no one else can do it but me”. Typically it will occur in hard working, hard driven people, who become emotionally, psychologically or physically exhausted. You are at risk of burnout where:
- you find it difficult to say `no` to additional commitments or responsibilities
- you have been under intense and sustained pressure for some time
- your high standards make it difficult to delegate to assistants
- you have been trying to achieve too much for too long
- you have been giving too much emotional support for too long
Often burnout will manifest itself in a reduction in motivation, volume and quality of performance, or in dissatisfaction with or departure from the activity altogether.
Are You in Danger of Burnout from work related stress?
How does counselling help?
Firstly Counselling offers a safe confidential place to talk and admit this is what is happening in your life. In many cases people deny they are suffering from Work related stress until it’s to late because of either denial this cant be happening to me and fear will stop the individual from admitting to the problem. Counselling helps Develop positive attitudes towards stressful situations in life. Give up negative mental traits such as fear, anger and revengeful attitudes, which also actually contribute and germinate stress.
It also helps Re-evaluate your goals and prioritize them. Look at the demands placed on you and by you and see how they fit in with your goals and ability and helps Identify your ability to comfortably meet these demands. It helps acknowledge your own life, such as work, and family leisure time. It helps re-evaluates your strengths and acknowledge your abilities and offers you an ongoing support.
My approach also offers a new approach to relaxatation and distressing techniques. If you suffer from work related stress
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