Many people are unhappy with their job. Even if you like your job, you probably still experience some stress or anxiety that is work-related. Many health problems are tied to work. Is your job killing you? The answer could be “yes.” Read on to learn more.
Work Often Means Stress
Most of us experience pressure and demands at work. Some people thrive when pushed in the workplace, but for many, the demands of their job (and often overbearing bosses) prove to be too much to handle.
Dealing with work-related stress is something millions of people experience every day. Some can find healthy ways to deal with it. Unfortunately, many turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with the pressures and tensions of work.
How can a job Be Unhealthy?
Most people must work to live a good life or to simply survive. Unfortunately, jobs often cause unwanted problems. Good jobs and bad jobs alike can lead to issues with mental as well as physical health. These issues manifest in many different ways. The following section covers some of the most common health problems that can be caused either directly or indirectly by a job.
- Substance Abuse. One of the most common problems that arise when people are unhappy with their jobs is substance abuse. When people leave their jobs for the day, exhausted and feeling overwhelmed, many turn to legal and illegal substances to help numb their feelings. Alcohol, pills, and illicit drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin are among the most common substances that are abused. Use of these drugs can lead to addiction, and impairment, and cause major problems with your relationships and your livelihood, among other things. Serious health problems like seizures, strokes, confusion, brain damage, overdose, and even death. Although relatively better than substance abuse, overeating is another very common unhealthy way that work-related stress can manifest. After a long, stressful, and demanding day, a lot of people turn to food for comfort. Consuming large amounts of food steeped in fat, salt, and sugar often brings a feeling of contentment, safety, and that all-important shot of dopamine to the brain. It is fine to eat sweets or fattening snacks as a treat, but when these kinds of foods are consumed too often or in very large amounts, it can lead to many health problems. Binge eating unhealthy foods can lead to obesity, heart problems, digestive problems, and sleep issues, among a myriad of other health problems. Overeating some unhealthy foods can even lead to a higher risk of cancer.
- Physically feeling Unwell. There are a few different ways that your job could be causing you to feel physically unwell. Physically demanding jobs can be hard on your body and cause pain. Commonly reported issues related to physically-demanding jobs are back pain, joint pain, and pain in the neck and shoulders.Feeling physically unwell can also be related to mental health issues. People commonly experience headaches, migraines, muscle tension and soreness, and digestive issues, among other ailments related to mental problems brought on by demanding jobs.
- Suffering from Mental Health Problems. Mental health issues are some of the most commonly occurring work-related health problems. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems people are likely to face when their jobs are too stressful. If work demands are overwhelming, if hours are too long, or if there is drama at work, it is common for people to develop anxiety disorders. If people feel unhappy in their jobs, it can lead to depression, especially if people don’t feel they can have a life outside of work. Unfortunately, most people need help from a mental health professional to manage these disorders.
The Wellness Center of Plymouth offers services that can help with physical pain and mental health problems related to your stressful job. Contact us for more information or schedule an appointment today.
