Decline in performance one of the first signs of burnout’ A lack of support and harassment in the workplace can increase stress levels, for which there is a need for proactive stress management strategies.
In an interview with the news agency, Zoya Shafat Mir, a clinical psychologist and founder of Psychlite, a psychology clinic, said it is important to maintain connections with trusted friends and family to navigate stressful work situations. Here are the excerpts:
What is the overall prevalence of mental health conditions among working adults?
According to the WHO, 15% of working adults suffer from mental health disorders, and one in four employees experiences mental health issues.
What is the connection between mental health and work?
Work plays a crucial role in our lives. Beyond financial benefits, jobs provide meaning, structure, and purpose. They can enhance our sense of identity and self-esteem while offering essential social outlets. However, a negative work environment can lead to detrimental effects on emotional health. Factors such as long hours, understaffing, lack of support and workplace harassment can elevate stress levels and contribute to mental health problems, including anxiety, depression and substance abuse.
Moreover, mental health issues can impact job performance and productivity. Recent estimates suggest that mental health challenges cost the global economy $1 trillion annually due to lost productivity, absenteeism, and staff turnover. Unfortunately, many aspects of our work environment are beyond our control, with workplace culture often set by those in senior positions, leaving employees hesitant to speak out for fear of judgment or job security.
What are the signs of burnout?
The initial sign of burnout is often a decline in work performance. This may be followed by difficulties concentrating, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, mood swings, irritability, and feelings of hopelessness. Individuals may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, withdraw from social interactions, and become overly sensitive to minor issues. Physical symptoms can include unexplained headaches or body pain, a frequent desire for breaks, and ruminations about the purpose of their job or life.
How can one manage stress at work?
Managing stress doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul; small changes can have a significant impact. Start by identifying your stressors and tackling them one at a time. Re-evaluating negative beliefs is also crucial; prolonged worry can lead to a negative outlook on situations. Instead of making automatic judgments, try to distance yourself from negative thoughts and observe them objectively.
Maintain connections with trusted friends and family to help cope with stress. Prioritise self-care by ensuring adequate sleep, scheduling time for enjoyment, and eating throughout the day. It’s also important to let go of perfectionism, which, while beneficial in moderation, can lead to stress and burnout when it becomes a continuous pattern.
When taking breaks, treat them as genuine time off—avoid adding to your to-do list and instead focus on activities that recharge you, away from screens and work-related tasks. Lastly, if burnout is causing anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. Timely intervention can prevent further complications.
