With working hours getting longer and pay staying the same, many people in the US are now suffering from stress. Few people realize the impact that their working life has on their well-being. Work-related illnesses are a growing issue in the country. When people think of their general health, they often neglect their mental health. Surprisingly, there is still a huge stigma when it comes to psychological issues. With the number of suffers growing in strength every year, the question is, how much is too much?

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How stressful is your job?

The first thing that people have to consider is how stressful their job is on a day to day basis. Professionals, like doctors, teachers and social workers, are all in a high-risk stress category. People who work long hours are likely to suffer from stress. Last year, doctors across the country noted a significant rise in people with stress and anxiety. When you are working long hours and fail to get an adequate break, you might struggle at home.

It is your boss’ duty to look over your work situation and see whether there are ways in which he or she can change your experience. Remember, your boss should care about your health and safety at work. He or she has a responsibility to you when you are on the premises. Many people avoid talking about their mental health, but they shouldn’t fear expressing themselves. If you feel as though you are unhappy in your workplace, you must talk to someone about it as soon as possible.

Signs of work-related stress

When you feel anxious, you might not even realize it yourself. Often, other people will pick up on certain behavioral and personality changes. If people start to worry about your welfare, it is likely that they have noticed a change in the way that you behave. Stressed people tend to become angry easily. If you used to be well-mannered and calm, but now freak out about the slightest thing, workplace stress could be to blame.

There are also physical signs of stress. Many people think that their emotional state has no impact on their physical health, but they are wrong. When you stress yourself out every day, your body feels the strain. You might begin to sweat whilst you are at work or in stressful situations. You may also notice that your heart speeds up when you are anxious. These minor changes are not normal and can lead to serious health complaints. You may also experience frequent headaches, blurred vision and sickness. If you have any of these symptoms, you need to see a medical professional sooner rather than later. He or she can talk to you about your issues and help you to work out a plan of action.

Prolonged stress can lead to diseases and sickness

When people suffer from prolonged bouts of stress, it can lead to serious health conditions. Stress and anxiety put extra pressure on your heart on a daily basis. Your heart is a muscle and can only take a certain amount of strain. If you are stressing your heart out every day, it will not function well. Many people who suffer from stress end up having heart conditions in later life. If you fail to treat stress, you may find that you struggle when it comes to health issues.

The other major concern is that the stress may depress people. Depression is a serious affliction that affects one in three people in the country. When people have depression, they fail to function in society. They sometimes have to have time off from work. There is a common misconception that people can overcome depression alone. That is not always the case. People with severe forms of depression need to get help for their illness. Without the help that they need, these people can fall further into their mental illness. Suicide rates are consistently increasing in the US. There is a strong correlation between people with stress and suicide victims.

What happens if you need to take time off?

If you need to take time off because of work-related stress, you should talk to your employer. Explain your situation and why you need time off. Don’t make the mistake of lying to your employer about your situation. Stress is a legitimate affliction, and you should tell your employer about it. Whilst you are off, you will get sick pay from your employer for the first six months. You can gain compensation for your stress-related illnesses if you need to. Sometimes people need compensation money to sustain themselves while they are ill or to pay medical bills. Contact a company, such as the russellworthsolicitors personal injury firm, so that you can get help.

Who can you talk to about stress?

If you are anxious and work stresses you out, you need to talk to someone. Top psychologists suggest that talking to family members and friends might be helpful. In fact, having a strong social support system around you will make a world of difference to your situation. If you feel as though you can’t confide in your friends or family, you can see your doctor. Few people realize that their doctor can help them with psychological issues. The lack of understanding of mental issues in society means that some people don’t see the stress as an illness. It is an illness, and you deserve help for it.

How can you reduce stress in your workplace?

People who suffer from stress need to find coping mechanisms in their workplace. Your employer will work with you to find ways to help you cope. You should never take on more work than you can handle. You need to make sure that you manage your time well while you are at work. You can also start doing breathing exercises so that you can control your heart rate. When you stop your heart from speeding up, you can stay calm. If you struggle at work and feel anxious, make sure that you take action for the good of your health.