When Mental Health Affects Work
When mental health affects work, it can have a big impact on an employee’s performance. It can also make it difficult for an employee to get the support they need.
Mental health issues can cause stress, depression and other problems at work. Employers should be aware of the signs and if someone needs help.
Stress
When you have mental health issues, the way you think and feel can affect your ability to work. It can also affect the way you interact with others and your ability to handle stress.
When mental health issues aren’t treated, they can have a negative impact on your job performance and career. They can lead to low productivity, increased absenteeism and reduced employee engagement.
Managing stress is essential to your success. Learn about coping techniques and how to talk with your employer about workplace issues. It is also important to keep track of situations that trigger your stress.
Depression
Depression is a common mental health condition that can be debilitating, affecting an individual’s ability to perform at their best. It can also have a negative impact on the workplace and those around them.
Symptoms of depression can affect work performance, including poor concentration, loss of energy and feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Employees can also experience social withdrawal.
Early detection and effective treatment can lessen the impact of depression on a person’s productivity at work. It can also reduce total medical costs, increase productivity and decrease absenteeism.
Anxiety
Often, anxiety takes hold when you face a stressful or traumatic situation. It can be a natural reaction that protects you from danger but it may also move beyond anxiety into an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety can affect your ability to focus on your work. It can cause you to lose track of what you’re doing and even cause you to ruminate about the worst possible outcomes.
If you’re experiencing anxiety at work, it might be a good idea to ask your boss for help. They can help you understand how to manage your symptoms and how to better manage your workload.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, from extreme highs (mania) to lows (depression). These episodes can affect how you think, feel and behave.
During depressive phases, you may feel hopeless and withdrawn from others. You may also question your worth and abilities.
In mania, you’re impulsive, impatient, and easily distracted. You might lose interest in things you once loved.
You can manage your bipolar disorder in the workplace, especially if you’re receiving treatment. Therapy can help you accept your condition, recognize warning signs of a manic or depressive episode, develop coping skills, and stick with a medication schedule.
ADHD
When mental health affects work, employees can experience difficulty focusing, lack of motivation and a sense of overwhelm. This can cause problems in the workplace as they may fail to complete tasks and miss deadlines.
ADHD can also impact how an individual interacts with colleagues or supervisors, making it difficult for them to listen and communicate. This can also cause them to miss important details or fail to keep up with the latest information at their job.
For this reason, it’s important to have a safe and welcoming environment where employees can voice their struggles without fear of being judged. This can help foster a culture of communication that can ultimately lead to positive results for both individuals and the organization as a whole.
