Mental Health and Work: How to Feel Good at Work
A study conducted by Everest College indicates that around 83 percent of American workers suffer from work-related stress.
Mental health and work are so closely tied together work-related stress can lead to serious mental health issues.
However, you can learn to take care of yourself at work and reduce stress.
If you are ready to learn how to manage your mental health at work then keep reading.
How Work Impacts Mental Health
In a healthy environment, work can actually be a factor that helps improve mental health. Work helps improve self-esteem, gives purpose, improves confidence, promotes independence, and helps develop social contacts.
However, work can also impact your mental health negatively. Poor mental health at work can affect your job performance, productivity, engagement, communication with coworkers, daily functioning, and physical capability. In addition, certain mental health disorders such as depression are associated with higher rates of unemployment.
Understanding the factors that impact you negatively in the workplace can help you learn how to address them.
Factors that contribute negatively to mental health can be factors that are byproducts of a high-stress job. For example, first responders regularly put themselves in situations that can be dangerous which can lead to stress.
However, other factors can include things such as:
- Poor organizational structure
- Health and safety policies that are inadequate
- Poor communication with management and coworkers
- Lack of direction from the employer
- Lack of support
- Bullying and psychological harassment in the workplace
- A lack of balance
- Poor management of the workload
Managing Mental Health at Work
Work affects mental health and vice versa mental health affects work. Not taking care of your mental health at work can lead to thoughts such as “I hate work” or “work is ruining my life.” When you struggle with thoughts like this it makes it difficult to want to get out of bed and head into the office.
When looking at ways to manage mental health and work there are things you can do as an individual and things you can encourage your employer to do. A workplace that promotes psychological safety is a healthier workplace.
As an employee, you can encourage your employer to provide programs that help address mental health and workplace stress. If you are not aware of existing programs you can talk to HR and find out what is available.
In situations where you feel that your safety is compromised communication is key. Work with your employer to address problems of poor organizational structure or inadequate health and safety procedures.
Steps you can take to protect your mental health as an individual include:
- Practice self-care
- Learn to say no when you feel you are taking on too much
- Do not engage in the workplace gossip mill
- Set manageable goals
- Ask for help
- Advocate for yourself
- Take care of your physical health
- Learn coping techniques such as mindfulness
- Address problems when they come up
Mental Health and Work
Managing mental health and work is key to success within the workplace. By taking steps to reduce work-related stress, you can have a positive impact on your overall mental health.
Was this information helpful? Learn other ways to manage your mental health by taking a look at our health section.
