Preserving Mental Health in High-Stress Work Environment: A Conversation with a Former Colleague

The recent tragedy of a young Chartered Accountant from EY Pune, who lost her life due to stress and overwork, has brought urgent attention to the importance of mental well-being in the workplace. It’s a stark reminder of how overwhelming job demands can take a toll on individuals, no matter how talented or committed they are.?

I’m not a mental health professional, and the thoughts I share here are simply based on my personal experiences—what has worked for me when navigating stressful work environment. Recently, I had a conversation with a former colleague, Kajal (name changed), that I believe reflects the struggles many professionals face. Here’s what we discussed, along with some advice I gave her, which I hope might be useful to others.?

?Managing Stress and Conflict in the Workplace

Kajal, now working in another organization, reached out for advice. She’s the only QA in her project team, surrounded by developers, and has been dealing with frequent conflicts. While her managers are supportive and recognize her efforts, the constant behavioral friction with her teammates has been exhausting.?

She described feeling isolated and mentally drained, even though she knew the issues were minor. As an overthinker, these interactions weighed heavily on her mind, leading her to question whether staying in the role was worth it.

?Here are the insights I shared with Kajal based on my personal experiences dealing with similar challenges:?

• ?Focus on the work, not the person.

Conflicts between QAs and developers are common, but they don’t have to be personal. Instead of framing issues as “your defect is breaking the product,” try, “Let’s work on this together, it will make our product better for the customer.” This shifts the conversation to focus on the shared goal and makes it easier to collaborate and minimizes friction.?

• Leave emotions at the door.

Once the meeting or conversation ends, let it go. Take a short break—go for a walk, grab a coffee, or listen to some music. Do whatever helps you reset. But avoid discussing the argument with anyone, as this keeps the negative emotions alive. In my experience, it takes just 10-15 minutes to return to a neutral mindset.?

• Break the ice intentionally.

After a disagreement, re-engage your colleagues by talking about unrelated topics to restore rapport. In the past, I’ve used shared interests—like discussing books with one colleague or past projects with another—to mend the relationship. It helps remind everyone that, despite differences, you’re still on the same team.?

• Save your mental energy for what matters.

Not every battle is worth your time or energy. When you find yourself stuck in a loop of negative emotions, ask: “Is it really worth it?” Letting go of minor frustrations protects your mental well-being, leaving you more focused and productive in the long run.

One Day at a Time

Kajal admitted it wouldn’t be easy to start afresh after every disagreement, but she felt encouraged to give it a try. And that’s the point—it’s a gradual process. Developing the habit of letting go and re-engaging takes time, but the results are worth it.?

Building a Healthier Work Environment

The tragic case from EY Pune underscores the importance of workplace environment that prioritize well-being. While organizations play a crucial role in fostering a healthy work culture, individuals also need personal strategies to manage conflicts and stress effectively.?

No job is worth sacrificing your mental health. It’s about finding that delicate balance between passion and well-being—and ensuring that no victory at work comes at the cost of peace of mind.?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—how do you handle workplace conflicts? Do you agree with the advice I shared, or do you have other strategies that have worked for you? Let’s keep this conversation going!?

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