What to do if work is affecting your mental health?

Work can be amazing, right? Especially when we're contributing to something meaningful to us. But let's be honest, sometimes the pressure gets to us. It's like carrying a weight that just keeps getting heavier.

And the worst part? We don't always notice how much work (or our attitude to it) is affecting us 🙈 We tell ourselves it's "just stress" or that everyone feels this way because it might seem easier to ignore the signs rather than face them head-on. But that can backfire big time...

It’s no secret that mental health and work are closely linked, but recognising when work is becoming too much is a personal journey: everyone's different. Maybe you're feeling more irritable than usual, constantly tired, or just can't focus. 😵‍💫 You might find that what once brought you joy now feels like a chore. That's your signal something's off ⚠️

The key is developing enough self-awareness to know when things are off balance - and that takes a process and a bit of bravery.

And guess what? It's totally okay to admit it! It actually takes guts to say "Hey, this is getting to me." Sadly, a lot of workplaces make us feel like stress is cool. Like if you're not stressed, you're not working hard enough. 🙄 But that's so messed up!

So, what can you do? Let's see how you can start making changes to protect your mental health. Because at the end of the day, your health matters more than any job. ❤️

It's easy to dismiss stress as just part of the job, but there are signs and symptoms that can act as red flags. Recognising these signals is the first step towards protecting your mental health.

Without awareness, you can't take action. So, before anything else, it's essential to check in with yourself and acknowledge when something feels off. Once you do that, you can start focusing on the best ways to take care of yourself.

The first step is to admit to yourself that work is affecting your mental health. This might feel a bit uncomfortable, especially if you're the type who likes to push through or prides yourself on being able to handle anything. But acknowledging the issue is half the battle.

Acknowledging that you’re in a tough spot, that you need help, or that work is impacting your mental health isn’t a weakness - it’s actually a sign of bravery and maturity. It takes courage to admit when things aren't going well, especially when we’re often surrounded by cultures where stress is so normalised that it feels like just another part of the job. In some workplaces, if you don’t look stressed, it might seem like you’re not working hard enough or that you don’t care. Sound familiar? 😬

As everyone is different, what’s normal for one person might not be normal for you. This is why self-awareness is so important. You need to know yourself well enough to recognise whether your current stress levels are concerning or if this is your typical baseline. Having this awareness can give you the confidence to say, “Hey, I’m not okay right now,” and that, in itself, is incredibly powerful.

It might seem like a vulnerable thing to admit, but there's a kind of strength in being confident enough to acknowledge when you're struggling. It might feel weird, but owning those feelings can open up doors to real change. It’s also a reminder that what we see on the surface doesn’t always reflect what's happening inside. The seemingly tough guy at work could be crumbling on the inside, while someone who appears overly emotional might be surprisingly resilient.

The bottom line is: you don’t have to wear stress like a badge of honour. Know yourself, trust yourself, and have the courage to step up when things are affecting your mental well-being. You deserve that.

One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to know your limits. You need to figure out where your boundaries are - whether it's with working late, taking on extra projects, or being reachable 24/7. Once you identify those boundaries, set firm limits and stick to them.

This might mean learning to say no to certain tasks or stepping back from extra responsibilities that aren’t in your job description. Again, it’s about self-awareness and understanding where the line is for you.

Most managers want their employees to succeed and perform well, so opening up a dialogue can help you both find a solution. Remember, you’re not failing by having this conversation - you’re taking charge of your mental health and preventing burnout.

If things are really getting on top of you, it might be time for a proper break. Whether it’s a holiday, a mental health day, or just a long weekend, taking some time away from work can give your brain the reset it needs. Don’t feel guilty for taking time off, it’s vital for your long-term well-being.

I always say that your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Pushing yourself to the limit now might offer some short-term gain, but in the long run, it can have serious effects on your mental health. You’re better off pacing yourself and taking breaks when you need them.

Taking care of your mental health means looking after yourself in a holistic way.

This could include:

• Exercise: Even a short walk can work wonders for clearing your mind.
• Sleep: Prioritise deep rest; your brain needs time to recharge.
• Mindfulness or Meditation: Learning to quiet your mind and reduce anxiety can help you handle stress better.
• Hobbies: Make time for activities you enjoy that aren’t related to work.

The key is to integrate and balance your life with things that make you happy and healthy outside of work :)

Sometimes, just chatting with a friend, family member, or a colleague you trust can help lighten the load. If you feel like you need more support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional or use any workplace resources that are available, such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs).

Mental health issues can spill into other areas of life if left unchecked, this is why it’s so important to get the help you need when you need it!

Some people have super robust mental health, and they can take on more stress, while others may have a lower threshold.

What matters is how YOU learn to prioritise your long-term well-being over the immediate demands of your job, career, or the pressures of trying to make that next step. It might sound simple, but the impact is massive. If you sacrifice your mental health for short-term gains, you could end up paying the price later. It’s like running a marathon at sprint speed - you’ll burn out before you reach the finish line.

Work can be stressful, but it should never come at the cost of your mental health. Pay attention to those sneaky signs!

Feeling exhausted? Overwhelmed? Motivation MIA? 😶 Those are your red flags! 🚩

Remember: your mental health is #1! 💯 Without it, tapping into your true vision and reaching those big goals is not even on the table... So make sure you're paying attention to your needs in the long run and you're having a positive attitude towards yourself.

Your future self will be like, "THANK YOU!"

Has work been messing with your mental health lately? Let's chat in the comments! 👇 What are your go-to ways to stay healthy and full of life?