Face it! Your workplace can contribute to stress, anxiety, depression, and depression, and it is inevitable. However, there is a solution.
Emotions like anxiety and depression are traitors-they suddenly appear without warning. Admit it, you may not notice it at first, but your workplace may trigger mental issues. As of now, no study could tell what appropriate workplace setting that good for people with mental health issues.
A licensed clinical psychologist and the executive director of The Center for Emotional Health of Greater Philadelphia, Dr. Marla Deibler, said individuals who are dealing with mental health problems should avoid limiting themselves. She added that avoidance is the number one factor in maintaining anxiety.
There are effective ways to combat these mental health problems at work. Luckily, Deibler provided useful tips to handle these problems.
Stop Suppressing Anxiety
Most of the time, people tend to control their emotions by keeping themselves busy. Despite doing all the activities they want, they are still dealing with anxiety at the end of the day.
According to Deibler, anxiety is normal, and everyone is experiencing it. She advised people with this kind of mental health problem should allow space for some anxiety at work. Soon, they will render it less bothersome.
Be Mindful
Deibler said it is better to acknowledge the anxiety rather than rejecting it. If you feel it, remember what the thoughts that pop in your head are. By knowing what triggers your anxiety, you will find out how to control it later on.
Confronting the Monster
Anxiety is a monster, just like depression. This emotion is causing people to worry all the time, thus leading them to question their existence and purpose. Instead of avoiding that monster, why not confront it?
Of course, it takes time for you to make yourself ready. However, take notes of the triggers.
In your workplace, you need to face your fear even in “baby steps.” If you fear public speaking, take point on a presentation. If you are scared of talking to your coworkers, try to strike up a conversation with one person who you think can welcome any conversation.
Deibler told Business Insider that by exposing yourself to situations that cause anxiety to you, you would help to change your relationship to anxiety. Apart from that, you are also establishing your confidence in the office.
Prioritize Self-care
The first person who will love you until the end is none other than yourself. With that, it is essential to practice a healthy lifestyle:
- Eat nutritious foods
- Achieve eight hours of sleep
- Exercise
- Do the hobbies you love
Don’t Rely on Your Mind
Advising someone not to trust their mind is contrary to what most people promoting, which is to self-trust. Most psychologists would encourage their patients to trust themselves. However, the brain is also a traitor, especially if you are dealing with anxiety and depression.
Deibler said in an article in Business Insider that minds tend to tell stories and give advice constantly. It also automatically analyzes, judges, and criticizes the situations or persons.
These are normal. However, these thoughts are not helpful to people. With that, learn to filter what your mind says. Always remember, some of your thoughts are not objective truths. Choose only thoughts worth of your attention.
There are more!
Take a Break
Probably, taking a break is the best advice for many people. According to Deibler, traveling to different places may help you manage anxiety. Seeing different sceneries and people may help you feel calm.
Stay Connected to the World
There is nothing wrong with asking for help from friends and family. Social support is vital to anyone.
Cutting Out Caffeine Intake
For coffee lovers, this advice is bad news. According to Deibler, taking too much caffeine, especially coffee, can increase heart rate and physiological symptoms of anxiety.
Be Realistic in Setting Deadlines
Some people can’t commit to meet their deadlines. Some of them are struggling with anxiety or depression. Many anxious people sometimes will agree to deadlines and timelines, although they know they can’t make it or not aware of their capability.
If you have anxiety, be honest when it comes to meeting the deadline rather than apologizing later. If you keep doing the same routine, it will become habitual.
Not every deadline is negotiable. But if you will be honest regarding the tasks and its deadline, you will save yourself from stress and anxiety. Apart from that, you will establish a good relationship with your colleagues. As much as possible, set a deadline for which you think you have enough time to finish the job ahead of time.
Don’t Join “Triangle” Conversation
Office gossip is a common culture among workplaces around the world. Although it is good to vent out the feelings that caused worry, it is not healthy to get involved in gossip conversation.
Usually, office workers use the “triangle” conversation, where they talk about a third person. Common examples of triangles are gossiping about a third person; criticizing someone behind their back (usually, team leaders or boss); and talking to someone behind their back and use them as a scapegoat.
It is tempting to vent feelings to someone in your office. However, it is better to keep the issue between you and the person with whom you have conflict. In this way, you will avoid another issue in the future.
Seek professional help
Some people refuse professional help due to personal reasons, or their anxiety is the one that is stopping them. If you know someone in your office, who needs professional help, encourage them.
Anxiety is difficult to manage. It is the reason why people make the wrong decision. Through the help of a clinical psychologist, she will provide cognitive behavioral therapy to assist people in learning to cope with anxiety.
A clinical psychologist may help individuals change their relationship to their anxious thoughts and feelings.
Dealing with emotion is like surfing or for some people, it is like riding a roller coaster. There are ups and downs. Maybe today you feel there is no hope, but remember, the storm will not stay forever in your life.
Author Bio
Sarah Smith is a lifestyle writer. Usually, she writes food reviews and product reviews. Currently, Sarah is covering the advantages of using weighted blanket anxiety. During her spare time, she is spending her time playing with her pets or playing video games with B