How to Overcome Workplace Anxiety and Stress

Understanding Workplace Anxiety and Job Dissatisfaction

Workplace anxiety often goes hand in hand with job dissatisfaction. According to Matt, anxiety is typically a secondary response to initial dissatisfaction with various aspects of the job. While all jobs are different, three primary factors often lead to job dissatisfaction and subsequent anxiety: environmental issues, job duties, and personal growth.

1. Environmental Issues

The environment in which you work plays a significant role in your mental health. As Matt shares from his own experience working at Child Protective Services, a high-stress job coupled with low morale can severely impact your well-being. Here are some key points to consider:

• Stressful Atmosphere

  : Constant high stress within your workspace can lead to chronic anxiety.

• Low Team Morale

  : Poor team spirit can have negative psychological effects, even if it's not quantifiable.

• The Dreaded Monday

  : If you find yourself dreading the start of the workweek, it may be time to reconsider your work environment.

How to Address Environmental Anxiety

• Change Your Environment

  : This could mean switching teams, departments, or even companies.

• Shift Your Perspective

  : Focus on what you can control and try to adopt a positive mindset.

• Don't Ignore It

  : Continuing in a toxic environment can lead to resentment and long-term negativity.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

The specific tasks you perform daily can also be a significant source of anxiety. For instance, jobs requiring you to make stressful decisions or perform high-stakes actions can be overwhelming. Matt highlights a poignant example:

• Stressful Tasks

  : Positions that require tasks like laying off employees or handling emergency situations can be emotionally taxing.

• Consistent Pressure

  : Roles such as air traffic controllers, police officers, and firemen face constant high-stress scenarios.

How to Address Duties-Related Anxiety

• Evaluate the Role

  : If the tasks themselves are the root cause, it might be beneficial to consider a job switch.

• Emotional Management

  : Develop strategies to manage stress, such as mindfulness or seeking professional advice.

• Work-Life Balance

  : Ensure you have a healthy work-life balance to mitigate the stress from your responsibilities.

3. Personal Growth

Personal growth is another crucial factor. If your job isn't helping you grow, it could lead to a feeling of stagnation and anxiety about wasting your limited time. Matt discusses:

• Lack of Challenge

  : A job that doesn't challenge you can be demotivating and anxiety-inducing.

• Fear of Plateau

  : The longer you stay stagnant, the harder it is to grow.

How to Address Personal Growth Anxiety

• Set Goals

  : Identify skills you want to acquire and set achievable goals.

• Seek Opportunities

  : Look for roles that offer more challenges and opportunities for growth.

• Embrace Change

  : Sometimes, making a significant shift is necessary for long-term satisfaction and growth.

Practical Steps to Manage Workplace Anxiety

• Identify the Issue

  : Understanding what's causing your anxiety is the first step. Is it the environment, the duties, or a lack of personal growth?

• Take Action

  : Make conscious changes, whether it's changing jobs, seeking professional help, or acquiring new skills.

• Utilize Resources

  : At Restored Minds, we offer free resources and programs specifically designed to tackle OCD and anxiety.

Conclusion

Workplace anxiety and job dissatisfaction are significant issues that deserve attention. Understanding the root causes and taking proactive steps can help alleviate these feelings and lead to a more fulfilling professional life.