In today's fast-paced and hyper-connected world, the concept of work has evolved into more than just a means of earning a living—it has become a central aspect of our identity and lifestyle. However, alongside the benefits of productivity and accomplishment, there is a growing recognition of the detrimental impact of work-related stress, burnout, and imbalance on our mental health and well-being. As a therapist, I have witnessed firsthand the toll that the "epidemic of work" can take on individuals and society as a whole. In this article, I will explore the underlying causes of this epidemic, its widespread consequences, and discuss strategies for finding balance and reclaiming our mental health in a work-centric culture.
The Cult of Busyness:
In today's society, there is a pervasive belief that busyness equates to productivity and success. Many people wear their busyness as a badge of honour, glorifying long work hours, packed schedules, and constant connectivity. However, this constant state of busyness can lead to chronic stress, exhaustion, and a sense of never feeling truly present or fulfilled.
The Pressure to Perform:
In our competitive work culture, there is often intense pressure to constantly perform at a high level and achieve ever-increasing goals and targets. This pressure can fuel perfectionism, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome, as individuals strive to meet unrealistic expectations and avoid failure at all costs. I see this in a variety of industries. There is a trend emerging that meeting expectations includes going above and beyond, shifting the demands from simply performing, to out-performing in order to be doing what is expected.
The use of Technology and Boundary Blurring:
The rise of technology has blurred the boundaries between work and personal life, making it increasingly difficult to disconnect and recharge. Constant connectivity can lead to a feeling of being always "on," with little time for rest, relaxation, or meaningful connection with loved ones. We carry work in our pocket, wear it on our wrist, assume instant connectivity and in some cases we “live at work” as opposed to “work from home”. In the absence of a commute to work, we have removed the transition period from home to work and vice versa. Not just physically, but in terms of our mindset as well. We have lost the built-in system that encouraged a natural disconnect from work.
The Impact on Mental Health:
The relentless demands of work are taking a significant toll on mental health, contributing to stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. Left unchecked, work-related mental health issues can impact all areas of life, including relationships, physical health, and overall quality of life. In my observations, there have been frequent examples of workplaces and employers forgetting that we are human first. Employers seem to not want to take accountability to ensure a safe and conducive work environment; the focus has shifted away from humanness to output and productivity.
The Leave of Absence:
The most common outcome I see in my therapy room is to take a leave of absence from work, often endorsed by a medical doctor, as a way to have a bit of a break and recover from the stress of it all. While I am in favour of this option as an approach to healing from the workplace stress and anxiety we are all feeling, I fear it’s a short term and temporary solution. I strongly believe in the value of empowering individuals to take care of their mental health, making mindset adjustments, building resilience and adopting coping strategies. The reality is, if workplaces don’t change, we will perpetually find ourselves in the same environment that broke down all of those things in the first place.
The pervasive stigma that still surrounds mental health in the workplace is persistent and unrelenting. Despite workplace claims to support mental health initiatives, employees still feel they must hide their struggles, power through, and suffer in silence, for fear of burdening others, being challenged by superiors to the validity of their experience, and in some cases being threatened with the loss of their job. There is very little compassion or understanding for work-life balance, and the impossible choice between a healthy well-being and a paycheck is a stark reality for far too many. The employment and insurance sectors do not make this easy, nor do their processes and policies support recovery or optimal mental health. The bureaucratic red tape and administrative hurdles that must be navigated are absurd, and only serve to exacerbate the issue.
Additionally, this approach doesn’t address the root of the problem. There are unreasonable workloads and unrealistic expectations placed on employees. No one should be expected to work themselves to the point of burnout just to keep up with unrealistic demands of the workplace. I see it so often in my therapy room, the complete disregard for humanity in the workplace. Reduced resources and increased pressures at all levels of employment only serve to make things worse for everyone. A “do more with less" attitude is keeping people working harder than ever, and in a workplace that offers less and less support and understanding.
Strategies for Finding Balance:
Despite the challenges posed by the epidemic of work, there are strategies that individuals can employ to find balance and prioritize their mental health. As a therapist, I am committed to supporting individuals in navigating the complexities of work-related stress and reclaiming their mental health and vitality in a work-centric world. Here are some strategies that are promoted in my therapy room:
Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life, including designated times for work, rest, and leisure activities.
Practice self-care: Prioritize self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul, such as exercise, mindfulness, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.
Cultivate resilience: Build resilience by developing coping skills, seeking social support, and reframing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
Seek help when needed: Don't hesitate to seek support from a therapist or mental health professional if you're struggling with work-related stress, burnout, or other mental health issues.
It is deeply frustrating to witness systemic failures and injustices that prevent individuals from accessing the support they need for their mental health. The epidemic of work poses significant challenges to our mental health and well-being, but it is not insurmountable. By raising awareness of the underlying causes, consequences, and strategies for finding balance, we can begin to shift the cultural narrative around work and prioritize mental health in our lives. Let’s all do better, people’s lives are at stake.
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