Should Work Stress Be Considered a Mental Health Disorder?

by Micaha | Oct 17, 2024 | Stress

As psychotherapists, our role isn’t to tell you that you do or you do not need help. Our role is to provide you with what you need to move forward in life, no matter what it is that is holding you back.

Some of our most common calls are not for anxiety, not for depression, not for couples counseling – not for any of the most common mental health disorders. One common reason that many people reach out to a therapist is because they’re struggling with an issue that so many of us struggle with: work stress.

Work stress is not a recognized mental health disorder. It is not something that is diagnosed. But it also plays a very real and serious role in our physical and mental wellbeing – so much so that it can be enough to harm our relationship sand our day to day life.

Should work stress be considered a mental health disorder?

The Nature of Work Stress

Work stress arises when the demands of a job exceed an individual’s capacity to cope with or manage those demands. Common sources of work stress include heavy workloads, tight deadlines, lack of control over job responsibilities, difficult interpersonal relationships, and concerns about job security. While these stressors can vary from person to person, the effects of work-related stress are often similar and include:

• Physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension
• Emotional symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed
• Cognitive issues, including difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Behavioral changes such as withdrawing from social interactions or neglecting self-care

While these symptoms are common to stress in general, when experienced over a long period, they can lead to more severe mental and physical health issues.

Work Stress vs. Mental Health Disorders

Work stress itself is not classified as a mental health disorder. It is generally viewed as a temporary response to challenging situations in the workplace. However, chronic or unresolved work stress can be a significant contributing factor to the development of mental health conditions, including:

• Anxiety Disorders – Long-term exposure to work stress can lead to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or panic attacks, especially when stressors persist without resolution.
• Depression – Feelings of helplessness, inadequacy, or burnout from unrelenting work pressure can contribute to depressive symptoms. Prolonged stress, especially when coupled with job dissatisfaction, can make individuals more susceptible to developing depression.
• Burnout – Although not a formal mental health disorder, burnout is a condition recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an occupational phenomenon. Burnout results from prolonged exposure to chronic workplace stress and is characterized by emotional exhaustion, reduced job performance, and a sense of detachment from the job. Burnout can significantly impact mental health and lead to more serious conditions if not addressed.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – In high-stress or high-risk professions, such as first responders, healthcare workers, or military personnel, individuals may experience traumatic events that can lead to PTSD. While the trauma may occur in the context of work, the disorder itself is recognized as a mental health condition.

Work stress itself may not currently be a mental health disorder. But it does appear it can CAUSE them, and that alone may be enough to warrant concern.

While work stress itself is not a disorder, it can become a mental health concern when the stress becomes overwhelming, unmanageable, or persistent. If work-related stress leads to ongoing feelings of anxiety, sadness, or anger that do not subside when away from the job, it may indicate that the stress is contributing to a deeper mental health condition.

When work stress begins to spill over into personal relationships or activities, causing withdrawal, irritability, or neglect of responsibilities at home, it can be a sign of a more serious issue. Chronic stress is linked to physical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and gastrointestinal problems. If work stress is manifesting in physical health issues, it may signal the need for intervention.

If stress is affecting job performance – such as reduced productivity, absenteeism, or difficulty meeting job expectations – it may indicate that the individual is experiencing burnout or another mental health issue.

Why Work Stress Should Be Taken Seriously

While work stress may not be classified as a mental health disorder, its effects on an individual’s well-being should not be underestimated. Unaddressed, chronic work stress can:

• Lower job satisfaction and increase the risk of burnout
• Negatively affect mental health, leading to conditions like anxiety and depression
• Contribute to physical health problems
• Diminish quality of life and overall happiness

Recognizing work stress as a legitimate concern is important for both employers and healthcare providers, as early intervention can prevent the escalation of stress into more serious mental health conditions. Employers should prioritize mental health support by fostering a healthy work environment, offering resources such as counseling services, and encouraging work-life balance.

Work stress is significant and important. It may not be considered a mental health disorder, but the mental health world as a whole is moving away from disorders and diagnoses anyway, as it starts to prioritize the needs of the individual. As therapists, our role is to help patients learn more about themselves and get the support they need to thrive in their personal and professional lives, diagnosis or not.

If you are struggling with work stress, or you’d like to learn more about our therapy and mental health services, please feel free and reach out to Flourish Psychology today for help managing work stress and the pressures of high profile work lives.

Could Being Alone in Silence for a Few Hours Help Relieve Stress?

by Micaha | Oct 16, 2024 | Stress

Many of us use the term “overwhelmed” to discuss how we’re feeling in today’s fast paced, increasingly connected, loud world. It’s a word that we are also using correctly. We ARE overwhelmed. We are frequently finding that there is almost no moment in the day where we are not being stimulated, asked to do things, or surrounded by noise and movement.

Being overwhelmed means that we are stressed, overstimulated, and unable to find opportunities to refresh and replenish our reserves. So it might not come as a surprise to learn that an effective way to help address being overwhelmed is finding yourself in quiet, disconnected, solitude.

Evidence increasingly shows that there are times when what we need to be less overwhelmed is to spend even just a few hours in completely quiet solitude – no noise, no phones, no distractions, no stresses. Sometimes, to address feeling overwhelmed, what need more than anything is silence.

The Psychological Impact of Silence

Silence can have a profound effect on the brain, particularly when it comes to stress reduction. In our daily lives, we are often bombarded with noise – whether it’s the constant hum of urban environments, the chatter of social interactions, or the endless stream of digital notifications. These stimuli can keep our minds in a heightened state of alertness, which can contribute to stress and anxiety over time.

Being alone in silence gives the brain a chance to:

• Reset and Recharge – Quiet time allows the brain to enter a more restful state, which can help reduce mental fatigue. When freed from the need to process constant input, the brain can focus on recovery and repair.
• Foster Mindfulness – Silence creates the perfect environment for mindfulness, where individuals can focus on the present moment without distractions. This shift in attention can reduce feelings of overwhelm and promote a sense of calm.
• Improve Emotional Regulation – Without external noise and distractions, silence allows individuals to become more aware of their emotions and thoughts. This increased self-awareness can lead to better emotional regulation, helping individuals manage stress more effectively.

Silence gives our brain a chance to process the day, free of digital overload and the people and things demanding our attention. Our brains are always processing information, and need a bit of time to do that without distraction.

Physiological Benefits of Silence

Spending time in silence can also have a positive effect on the body. Stress often triggers the “fight or flight” response, which raises cortisol levels and increases heart rate and blood pressure. Silence, on the other hand, can activate the body’s “rest and digest” system, allowing for physical relaxation.

Some of the physiological benefits of silence include:

• Lowered Heart Rate and Blood Pressure – When the brain isn’t processing external stimuli, the body naturally shifts into a more relaxed state. Studies have shown that quiet environments can lead to decreases in heart rate and blood pressure, which are key indicators of reduced stress.
• Decreased Cortisol Levels – Cortisol is a hormone associated with stress. Spending time in silence can help lower cortisol levels, reducing the physical effects of stress on the body, such as tension, headaches, and fatigue.
• Improved Sleep – Silence promotes relaxation, which can help individuals unwind and prepare for better sleep. Since stress is one of the primary causes of sleep disturbances, incorporating periods of quiet into your day can improve overall sleep quality.

In addition to its calming effects, silence can also lead to greater mental clarity and focus. When our minds are free from distractions, we are better able to process information, reflect on important decisions, and think creatively.

How to Incorporate Silence Into Daily Life

As hard as it is to schedule silence when you need it most, there are situations in which it is a good idea to see if, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can find a quiet place outside or inside, leave your phone behind, and sit in total silence for awhile if you can. All it may take is a few hours of silence to find that you’re able to take on the stresses of the day.

When it’s not possible to carve out large chunks of quiet time in a busy schedule, there are simple ways to incorporate moments of silence into daily life to help manage stress:

• Morning Silence – Start the day by setting aside 10 to 15 minutes for quiet reflection, meditation, or deep breathing. This practice can set a calm tone for the day ahead and reduce stress levels.
• Scheduled Breaks – Throughout the day, take short breaks in a quiet environment, whether it’s stepping outside, sitting in a calm room, or simply turning off digital devices. Even just a few minutes of silence can help reset your focus and reduce stress.
• Unplug from Technology – Silence isn’t just about the absence of sound – it’s also about disconnecting from digital distractions. Set aside time each day to unplug from phones, emails, and social media to create a more peaceful environment.

Spending time alone in silence, even for a few hours, can be a powerful tool for stress relief. By allowing the mind and body to disengage from constant noise and stimuli, silence fosters relaxation, reduces physical signs of stress, and promotes mental clarity.

Whether through mindful practices or simply taking a break from the daily hustle, incorporating periods of quiet into your routine can significantly enhance your ability to manage stress and improve overall well-being. For more help controlling stress and feeling overwhelmed, please reach out to our team at Flourish Psychology, today.