Your workplace environment could be exposing you to a lot of stress

The root cause of aggravating mental health issues in adults these days is their workplace environment. For various reasons ranging from peers to office colleagues, adjusting in a workplace is no short feat. It not just takes a toll on your health due to lack of mobility but also severely affects the cognitive capabilities. According to a recent study by Optum, a provider of employee assistance programmes to corporates, 46 per cent of the workforce in India suffers from some form of stress.  

Common mental ailments 

The employee would witness a sudden drop in interest and would stop attending office or coming for shorter durations. Poor health would lead to  increased levels of stress and associated burnouts with rashes, intense headaches and disturbed bodily mechanism.

High levels of stress put a pressure on the body’s immunity and reduces it significantly. This makes the employee vulnerable to various infections. It has often been noted that an optimistic and happy employee seldom falls sick.

It also affects your work productivity, significantly reducing output and decreased concentration. Decreased levels of concentration can lead to accidents as carelessness on the road becomes common. There is a significant loss of motivation, commitment leading to poor relationship with colleagues. The employee might also witness clashes with the management due to increased irritability and anxiety. 

Effects of stress on body

You might witness sudden fits of anger or total inactivity. Stress can also induce high-functioning depression. Being able to recognise common stress symptoms can give you a jump on managing them. 

Stress that is left unchecked can contribute to many health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. It can also result in chest congestion and health ailments as listed above. The study found 43 per cent of employees with skewed body mass index, of which 30 per cent had risk of diabetes, 30 per cent had hypertension risk and 46 per cent were highly stressed. 

This number is about 30 per cent higher than a survey that Optum conducted in 2014. It can also affect the digestive tract of the body causing constant irritability. 

What to do? 

If these ailments go untreated it can transform into further complications such as bipolar disorder, depression or even phobia. Ignorance proves to be fatal in the treatment of mental health issues, which have always been riddled with stigma. Shying away from diagnosis is not the solution. Sometimes even the strongest personas need help with the settlement of thoughts. 

If you have stress symptoms, taking steps to manage your stress can have numerous health benefits. Explore stress management strategies, such as: Regular physical activity; relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi or getting a massage. Socialise, and set aside time for your hobbies.