🚩 Is your job destroying your mental health?

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Is your job destroying your mental health?

Hi fam,

If you wake up every Monday dreading the next five days of work, it might be time to ask a critical question: Is your job hurting your mental health? Research shows that chronic work-related stress is directly linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout. With World Mental Health Day approaching, it’s the perfect time to reflect on whether your work is supporting—or sabotaging—your well-being.

Here are five signs that your job could be harming your mental health:

1. You’re overloaded—and it’s unsustainable

While challenging work can promote growth, excessive workloads are a leading cause of burnout. Studies show that employees who regularly work beyond 50 hours a week are at higher risk of stress-related illnesses, including heart disease. If your workload is consistently spilling into your personal time, it’s not just a time management issue—it’s a health risk.

2. You’re chronically under-challenged

On the other hand, underutilization can be just as damaging. Research on job satisfaction shows that employees who aren’t given meaningful work experience lower levels of engagement and higher rates of depression. If you’re constantly bored or feel like your skills are going to waste, your job may be undermining your sense of purpose.

3. You feel undervalued

Recognition is a key driver of motivation. Studies from Harvard Business Review emphasize that employees who feel appreciated are more productive and less likely to burn out. If your hard work is regularly overlooked, or if promotions and raises seem reserved for others despite your contributions, it’s not just frustrating—it’s detrimental to your mental health and professional growth.

4. Your work stress is affecting your relationships

Chronic stress at work doesn’t stay at work—it follows you home. A study from the American Psychological Association found that 71% of employees reported that workplace stress negatively impacts their personal relationships. If you find yourself withdrawing from social activities, snapping at loved ones, or feeling isolated, your job may be the cause.

5. Your physical health is deteriorating

Physical symptoms of work stress—like insomnia, headaches, and fatigue—are well-documented. Prolonged exposure to work-related stress can lead to serious health issues, including digestive problems, weakened immune function, and chronic pain. If your body is reacting to work, it’s not just “stress”—it’s a signal that something needs to change.

What you can do:

If any of these signs resonate, it’s essential to take action before your mental and physical health are further compromised. Here’s what research suggests you can do:

• Consider a career pivot: If your role consistently drains you and there’s no path forward, it might be time to explore new opportunities that align with your strengths and values. Employees who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged at work.

• Set clear boundaries: Research shows that employees who set boundaries around their work hours report higher satisfaction and lower rates of burnout. Protect your non-working time to recharge and engage in activities that bring you joy.

• Prioritize stress management: Stress-reducing activities like exercise, mindfulness, and spending time in nature are powerful tools for restoring balance. Even brief breaks can have a significant impact on reducing stress.

• Leverage available resources: Many organizations offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide access to mental health support. Use these resources to get the help you need before stress becomes unmanageable.

• Talk to someone: Social support is one of the most effective buffers against work stress. Whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, or a peer sharing your experience can help you process and address the issues at hand.

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