It is not uncommon to develop anxiety in the workplace. For some, anxiety comes from working in an unsafe environment, for others, it comes from working with toxic people. No matter the reason, it is unhealthy to continue working with anxiety.
When anxiety develops, it is essential to nip it in the bud before it worsens because untreated anxiety can lead to depression or even psychosis.
Keep reading to find out how you can deal with work-related anxiety.
Management Related Anxiety
Some bosses can be overbearing, over-demanding, and micro-managing. Naturally, working under an individual like this can be incredibly stressful. You can’t help but feel that your work will not measure up and like you’re being looked at with a microscope at all moments.
If you are dealing with a manager like this, anxiety is not only probable but inevitable. Luckily, there are things you can do to help resolve the issue and ultimately decrease your anxiety.
‘If your boss has a boss of their own, you can try talking to them or submitting an anonymous complaint.
You can also try standing up for yourself. When you catch that kind of boss off guard by defending yourself, they usually don’t know how to react. This usually results in an apology and more respect in the future.
Co-Worker Related Anxiety
Sometimes, bad co-workers can be just as stressful as a bad boss. Every workplace has an employee or two that are judgemental, rude, love to gossip, or are critical of others’ work. Having to deal with these kinds of people can make you dread having to show up and work side by side with such difficult people.
When your co-workers cause you anxiety, there are a few ways to handle the situation.
- Limit interactions as much as possible.
- Talk to management about the employee’s behavior.
- Detach from the situation and Ignore their comments or actions.
- Request to work with them less frequently.
- Make your feelings known to the employee as they may not realize they have been disrespectful.
Almost all of us have dealt with a difficult co-worker, and most of the time we develop anxiety from the interactions because we feel offended. If this is the case, try not to take it personally because someone else’s rude actions do not relate to your work.
Social Anxiety
If you develop anxiety when you work with others and your co-workers and boss have done nothing wrong, you may suffer from social anxiety.
With this type of anxiety, the simplest interactions like small talk can send you into a downward spiral. You may have social anxiety if you:
- are nervous when speaking to others
- replay conversations in your head after they have happened
- criticize the way you behave or what you say to others
- Tremble, sweat, have a rapid heart rate, or feel a lump in your throat while in conversation
- Avoid others
- Consistently worry about how others feel about you
If you think you might have social anxiety, obtaining relief can be more tricky. Often, this type of anxiety comes from pre-existing mental health conditions or insecurities with one’s self. You can treat social anxiety by going to therapy, taking anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications, using cannabis, and working on your mindset.
If you are considering using cannabis and living in Michigan, check out this page for medical marijuana doctors near you.
Anxiety From Your Workload
Your workload may also be the culprit of your anxiety. Maybe you have too much work on your plate, or you’re not comfortable with the type of work that is being assigned.
Productivity and accuracy are equally as important in most job activities. Therefore, we often feel rushed to complete our work perfectly, which leads to anxiety.
Luckily, most companies are willing to work with you on your workload if you ask. However, if being assigned less work is not an option, you can try making it easier by changing your work strategies and better managing your time.
This is easier said than done and if there is no room for improvement and your stress levels are consuming you, consider going on leave for your mental health. If you develop anxiety again after returning from leave you may want to consider finding a new job.
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Unsafe Workplace
Working in a physically unsafe environment is another common cause of anxiety in the workplace.
Depending on where you work, an unsafe workplace may include:
- Faulty equipment
- Employees that cut corners
- Computer software that fails to protect information
- Dangerous practices
Naturally, working in an unsafe place will cause anxiety because you value your life and the life of others. If this is the reason you are feeling uneasy or scared, you can solve this problem in many ways.
Consider calling OSHA to report violations, bringing your concerns to management, or talking directly to IT or maintenance.
If your concerns are not promptly addressed, you may want to consider looking for a new job with safer conditions.