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Yes, Your Workplace Affects Your Mental Health. Read On.

Your workplace can make or break you. I can vouch for that! As a human being, the environment we spend most of our time in, has a huge impact on our mental health. Given that we spend 8 hours at work every day on an average, it’s no surprise the effect it has on us.

Now if you’re one of the few who have a beautiful, inspiring and free-spirited workplace going for you, count yourself very fortunate, because not all are blessed with this kind of set up. In fact, a majority can blatantly agree, that they live in dull, uninspiring and stagnant workplace environments.

So how does your workplace affect you?

PostImage_MentalHealth
Courtesy: Efficient recruitment

Numerous people suffer at the hands of a ruthless workplace. How to know if you’re one of them?, check these pointers below:

  • You feel disrespected by your boss, leading to indignation and rage
  • You feel overworked and underpaid
  • You may find yourself loathing getting up and going to work
  • You feel singled out, bullied and isolated at your workplace
  • You have unfathomable rage towards anything related to work
  • Your self esteem has taken a big hit and you feel depressed since you joined the office
  • You feel overwhelmed by the unhealthy competition at work
  • You notice there’s hardly any work life balance. You may even be suffering due to little or no holidays.
  • You notice yourself smoking, drinking or indulging in other types of drugs too much

If this is you; it’s a sign you must start caring about your mental health.

A negative working environment may lead to physical and mental health problems, harmful use of substances or alcohol, absenteeism and lost productivity.

-World Health Organization

You’re not alone in your suffering

A staggering number of people seem to be the victims of an unhealthy workplace.  Unfortunately, most employers have little or no clue about this thanks to the “stigma” around mental health.

Globally, an estimated 264 million people suffer from depression, one of the leading causes of disability, with many of these people also suffering from symptoms of anxiety. A recent WHO-led study estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year in lost productivity.

-World health Organization

How to promote mental health in the workplace

If you’re an employer looking out for the welfare of your employees, here are a few simple ways to maintain a good workplace environment for them.

 

If you’re an employee finding yourself in such a situation then :

  • Open up to your manager regarding your situation
  • Push back when you feel overloaded
  • Take the day off when necessary
  • Push back and refuse to do involuntary over time (OT)
  • Negotiate for your happiness

If the management refuses to accommodate your needs or cooperate, then changing where you work to a more suitable environment is the best choice. Whatever your decision, just remember, your mental health is important.

man in red crew neck sweatshirt photography
Photo by bruce mars on Pexels.com

Our minds need healing as much as our bodies. In fact our mind effects the way our bodies react to life. Taking care of your mental health is as important as treating a broken bone. And yes, you’re perfectly fine, you’re not loony or a nuthead for being depressed or struggling with anxiety. You like the whole world, are human and you deserve a break from time to time. There’s only one of you in this world and that makes you very valuable. Take good care of your mental health!

 

Featured image courtesy: TopResume

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