Workplace anxiety and feelings of dread

Being an adult isn’t easy – with taking care of your health, paying the bills and making sure your family has enough to get by, it’s important that you do not lose yourself in a difficult workplace.

Many of us have jobs where we work for a company or other people. These jobs may not be the best places to learn or even be oriented towards a career we aspire for, but in the end, it pays the bills, and we stay. Often this kind of anxiety is situational, and we don’t feel as much stress when we are away from work.

Some of the signs of workplace anxiety are:

• feeling physically ill when thinking about work or receiving work emails or calls
• avoiding certain tasks or situations at work
• having trouble concentrating or making decisions
• experiencing reduced job quality and satisfaction
• thinking about work is affecting your personal life and relationships.

Workplace stressors can be of many kinds, but the most common cause of all is the people we work with.

Company cultures differ in organizations, but invariably, we all have bosses or supervisors. This is someone who you report to, the person who is responsible for your performance. Some reasons for feeling anxious at work includes:

• high workload or pressure
• unrealistic expectations or deadlines
• lack of feedback or support
• conflict or harassment
• fear of failure or criticism
• low self-esteem or confidence
• personal issues or trauma

It is difficult to live like this every day without a way out. We can start to feel suffocated, isolated and hopeless about life. But that is not true. Work is just a part of your life, not the entirety. Take heart in the fact that this is not permanent. Your boss is not, your sadness is not, your fears are not. You will overcome this all and you will see happier days.

Just know that you are complete as an individual. You are not weak to be anxious, not overreacting when you dread going to work and you are not a failure. Your feelings are valid, and you are not alone. Please know that you are valuable and irreplaceable.

You are capable and skilled. Do not allow anyone to make you feel small. So, what if you are not able to thrive in this workplace. You have excelled in other places before, perhaps you are a wonderful chef, perhaps you are excellent at driving a car, being kind to others, gardening, writing, swimming or even being a great friend.

You are worthy and strong. Maybe this workplace isn’t for you and that is okay. Stay strong and keep looking for a job that suits you better. It’s okay to want to make a change. It may take time, but know that when you are criticized at work, or scolded, reprimanded or feel the imposter syndrome, it is not because you are inadequate, but because you are not in the right place.

Sometimes, the work culture is toxic and you need to hold on until you get another job. A few strategies to cope are:

• Spend time taking care of yourself and practice self-care activities.
• Plan something you enjoy after work or on weekends to look forward to – you can go hiking, watch a movie, read a book or anything else that makes you happy.
• Set aside 5 minutes during the day to do a short, guided meditation.
• Walk during lunch or a break to get some fresh air and exercise.
• Seek professional help from a therapist if you need additional support

Take it one day at a time, an hour at a time or even a minute at a time if you need to. You don’t have to think too far ahead. You deserve to be happy, and I hope that soon you will be able to work at a job that brings you joy. Sending you love and light to tackle this week. ❤

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