Unmanaged anxiety is a leading cause of preventable illness. Millions of people are diagnosed with anxiety-related mental and physical health conditions every year. Healthcare workers have an increased risk of developing clinical anxiety due to multiple factors. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, healthcare “workers were more likely to report symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorders.” Driftwood Recovery ensures staff members have access to support resources and a healthy work environment to reduce workplace stress and the risk of developing anxiety-related disorders.
How Does Work-Related Anxiety Impact Mental Health?
Workplace stressors have the potential to significantly impact psychological and physical health. Individuals working in the healthcare field often have to work in high-pressure situations with little emotional support. According to Health Psychology Research, “Workplace stress can influence healthcare professionals’ physical and emotional well-being by curbing their efficiency and having a negative impact on their overall quality of life.” Increased anxiety is a common side effect of chronic workplace stress. Anxiety can lead to severe side effects if left unmanaged.
Some of the most common issues caused by work-related anxiety include:
- The development of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and other mental health disorders
- Panic or anxiety attacks
- Emotional or physical burnout
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or oversleeping
- Abusing alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs to manage symptoms of anxiety
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Healthcare professionals use mental health support services to manage anxiety-related issues at work. In addition, people often benefit from setting clear boundaries to separate workplace responsibilities and their personal lives. Driftwood Recovery provides staff with resources for developing a healthy work-life balance.
Physical Side Effects
Some symptoms may persist even after a person begins treatment for their anxiety. A few of the most common physical side effects of workplace anxiety include:
- Headache or migraine
- Muscle tension and body aches
- Rapid heart rate
- Heart palpitations or shortness of breath
- Gastrointestinal issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Dizziness
The physical symptoms exist along a spectrum. Many people are unaware of the potential side effects of untreated workplace anxiety. In some cases, anxiety causes prolonged emotional distress and may interfere with a person’s ability to successfully manage their responsibilities. Due to the high-demand environment of most healthcare facilities, staff may struggle to function while experiencing anxiety.
Warning Signs and How to Avoid Workplace Stress
Workplace stress is a leading cause of anxiety for healthcare professionals. Being able to identify the warning signs of anxiety-related mental health disorders and reduce workplace stress helps people create healthier routines.
Some of the most common warning signs of anxiety disorders include:
- Feeling unusually tense, restless, or irritable
- Uncharacteristic nervousness
- Increased startle response
- Difficulty concentrating
- Avoiding people, places, or things causing increased emotional distress
- Sleep disturbances
- Feeling panic, anxiousness, helplessness, or doom
People may not always have the option to avoid stressful places, situations, thoughts, or individuals. Healthcare workers concerned about their mental health can utilize workplace or community support resources. Driftwood Recovery ensures all staff have information about relevant services to help them successfully manage anxiety before it affects their quality of life.
Successfully Addressing Work-Related Anxiety
Individuals who feel heard and supported by their supervisors are less likely to develop anxiety-related disorders or emotional burnout. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “In 2022, health workers experienced a decrease in odds of burnout if they trusted management . . . had supervisor help . . . had enough time to complete work . . . and felt that their workplace supported productivity.” Setting clear expectations and boundaries allows healthcare professionals to work in an environment where they feel heard and valued.
A few ways individuals may successfully address work-related anxiety include:
- Practicing mindfulness and increasing self-awareness
- Prioritizing effective time management
- Talking to co-workers, supervisors, or loved ones about workplace stressors or concerns
- Maintaining overall health through regular physical activity, quality sleep, and eating balanced meals
- Being transparent about personal needs and preferences
- Replacing negative emotions or self-talk with affirmations and positive self-talk
- Increasing professional skills through continuing training and other opportunities
- Keeping the workspace organized and calm
Healthcare professionals who practice healthy coping skills and make positive lifestyle changes often notice a significant decrease in anxiety and emotional distress during work.
How Does Driftwood Recovery Support Staff Experiencing Work-Related Anxiety?
Anyone can feel anxious at any time. If anxiety begins to impact a person’s emotional and physical health or quality of life, they may benefit from additional support. The management team at Driftwood Recovery regularly checks in with every staff member to ensure they feel supported and empowered in their position. Everyone deserves to receive compassionate care if they begin to struggle with anxiety or other mental health issues. Staff have access to various services, emotional support, and community-based resources. In addition, staff members reporting concerns about mental health issues have access to community-based support resources. Supervisors can provide additional guidance to support staff struggling with their position.
Anxiety is a typical response to workplace pressure or stress. Healthcare workers face more stress compared to individuals in other professions. Many unexpected and sometimes traumatic experiences take place within treatment facilities. Staff must navigate these stressors with compassion and empathy. Sometimes, the toll of chronic workplace stress or other factors causes people to develop anxiety-related mental health disorders. Panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and generalized anxiety disorder are a few of the conditions healthcare workers may experience if they have unmanaged anxiety. Driftwood Recovery offers staff members the resources and tools they need to maintain positive mental health and manage anxiety or stress related to the job. To learn more, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.