Navigating Mental Health Challenges in the Workplace: Knowing the Symptoms

Recently, I've noticed many people facing mental health issues at work. I've been through tough times myself and I'm not afraid to talk about it. I'm thankful for the help I received. Since getting better, I've become more understanding and supportive to others.

Let's talk about the early signs of burnout. It's important to notice these signs before they affect your mental health. Our brains tell us when they're tired, but we often ignore it. If we don't deal with it, things can get worse.

Here are some important signs to watch out for:

?Symptoms of Burnout:

1. Trouble Sleeping: Having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
2. Loss of Interest in Activities: Not enjoying things you used to like.
3. Isolation: Wanting to be alone and not socializing.
4. Feeling Sad: Feeling down even when you try to hide it.
5. Not Enough Time: Feeling like there's too much to do and not enough time.
6. Feeling Empty: Struggling to focus with a lot of work.
7. Trouble Focusing: Finding it hard to concentrate at work.
8. Making Mistakes: Making the same mistakes and not working well.
9. Mood Swings: Feeling angry, sad, or sensitive without a clear reason.

Even though people notice these signs, they often ignore them, thinking they are just because of having too much work. But our brains send signals when something is wrong, and our bodies react to them.

Here are some physical sign when you ignore the above sign:

1. Neck Stiffness: Feeling tightness in your neck that can be helped by a massage.
2. Digestive Issues: Having stomach problems from not eating properly.
3. Headaches: Getting frequent headaches with sensitivity to light and tingling.
4. Menstrual Changes: Women experiencing different periods than usual.
5. Weight Changes: Suddenly gaining or losing weight.
6. Hair Loss: Noticing more hair falling out than usual.
7. Numbness: Feeling numb in your hands or other body parts when stress

If you've noticed any of these signs, here's what I recommend:

Start by identifying the root causes. Whether they're tied to issues at home, work, or elsewhere, understanding the triggers is crucial. Open up to your partner or family if it's home-related. When dealing with work-related issues, address them with your manager, and if needed, take it up to higher management. Approach these conversations with professionalism and focus on resolving the problems positively.

It's important to share your concerns with a trusted individual. Bottling up emotions only adds to the burden. Seek help from a psychologist or counselor to provide the support you need. Psychiatric experts can also offer guidance, often recommending short-term medication for relief. Follow their recommendations to prioritize your well-being.

Taking steps to move forward can be daunting, but necessary for your mental health. If your current workplace doesn't prioritize mental wellness, don't hesitate to consider other options. Your well-being should always be a top priority, even if it means making a tough decision to leave a toxic environment. Stay strong and be brave in choosing a path that supports your mental health.

Disclaimer: This story gives you a close look at my own struggles with mental health at work. I'm not an expert, but I'm sharing what I've been through. If you want to talk more or connect, feel free to reach out to me.