Understanding anxiety in the workplace
Workplace anxiety is something a lot of people struggle with, often more than we realize. With World Mental Health Day 2024 focusing on mental health in the workplace, now is the perfect time to dive into what anxiety at work looks like and how we can manage it in a healthy way.
What causes anxiety at work?
Anxiety at work can come from many places. Maybe it’s an overwhelming workload, constant deadlines, or feeling unclear about what’s expected. Or maybe it’s about not having the support needed to get through tough times. Add in long hours or struggling to balance work with personal life, and it’s no wonder anxiety can build up quickly. All of these can slowly lead to burnout, which we’re seeing more and more in workplaces today.
How to recognize when anxiety is creeping in at work
Anxiety doesn’t always look the same for everyone. Some common signs might include trouble focusing, feeling restless, or getting easily irritated. There can even be physical symptoms like headaches or that uneasy feeling in your stomach. The key is catching these signs early before they snowball into something bigger.
And it’s important to remember: talking about mental health doesn’t have to be awkward or scary. In fact, being open about it can be the first step toward feeling better.
Here's how Balance meditation expert Leah Santa Cruz realized she was experiencing workplace anxiety:
“I used to feel intense anxiety at work in my prior career, and it took me years to understand it was a messenger. My body was telling me I was out of alignment—stuck in a role my heart didn’t desire and living out of integrity with my values. That internal discomfort was my call to step outside my comfort zone and grow. Anxiety often speaks the truths we try to ignore.”
How anxiety affects more than just you
When anxiety goes unchecked, it’s not just your mental well-being that’s affected—it can impact how you work, too. Things like struggling to meet deadlines or feeling too drained to focus can take a toll.
Over time, this can lead to feeling disengaged from work and even affect the people around you. But the good news is that when mental health is treated as a priority, everyone benefits. Less stress, better focus, and a more supportive environment make a huge difference.
So, what can help with anxiety at work?
Here are a few things that can help manage anxiety in the workplace:
- Talking about it: It can feel intimidating to open up about what’s going on mentally, but starting a conversation can lead to real support. Whether it’s talking to a friend, a colleague, or a mental health professional, having that space to express your concerns can lighten the load.
- Taking breaks: Whether it’s stepping outside for fresh air, taking a short walk, or meditating at work, giving yourself permission to take breaks throughout the day can reduce that overwhelming feeling.
- Setting boundaries: Sometimes, saying “no” or asking for help is the healthiest move. By setting boundaries, you can avoid the burnout that comes from trying to do everything all at once.
- Using resources: It’s important to have access to resources that support mental well-being, like mindfulness apps or therapy sessions. Learning how to manage stress through techniques like meditation or deep breathing can have lasting benefits.
A healthier work environment starts with mental health
At the end of the day, talking about mental health in the workplace shouldn’t be taboo. If we make it a priority, not only do we support each other, but we also create a space where people feel valued and engaged. World Mental Health Day is a reminder that we all deserve a mentally healthy environment, and that starts with being open, supportive, and proactive.
Ready to take that step? Try the Balance app for personalized stress management and anxiety relief tools. Download it today and start feeling more balanced in your work and life.
