Work is a common source of stress and other mental health issues for many people. Long hours, toxic work environments, traumatic workplace experiences, and other such factors can have a significant impact on our well-being.
There are ways to cope with these experiences. This overview will provide some examples. That said, it’s important to understand that, in California, depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation for work-related stress and mental health issues. Discuss this topic with a lawyer for more information.
In the meantime, ways to address mental health struggles resulting from your work include:
Practice self-care
Self-care plays an essential role in mental health. It may consist of getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and taking breaks throughout the workday. The main purpose of self-care is to ensure you’re not neglecting your physical and emotional health.
Set boundaries
One of the best ways to reduce the amount of stress that your job may cause you is to set boundaries in an effort to maintain a reasonable work-life balance. Examples of setting boundaries may include only working certain hours, saying no to offers to take on additional responsibility if doing so will add to your stress, and generally making sure you don’t feel as though you’re always on call.
Seek support
Struggling with mental health issues resulting from work isn’t an experience you need to (or should) face alone. Turn to friends and family for support during this time. It may also be wise to consult with a professional to determine if mental health treatment is necessary.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. In mindfulness, your goal is to focus on your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, and accept them without trying to change them. Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness can have a significant impact on stress levels.
Practice positive self-talk
Positive self-talk involves replacing negative thoughts and beliefs with positive ones. This can involve reframing negative thoughts into more positive and empowering statements, such as “I am capable of handling this challenge” or “I am making progress towards my goals.” Practicing positive self-talk can help you build resilience and self-confidence in the face of an intimidating work environment.
Seek professional help
Aging, if the mental health issues you’re struggling with as a result of your work are particularly severe, it may be wise to seek therapy or other such support. A mental health professional can offer the guidance you need to manage your stress.
Once more, you may also wish to review your case with an attorney. At Koszdin, Fields & Sherry, a Van Nuys workers’ compensation attorney with experience handling mental health claims can help you better understand whether you may be eligible to receive financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and any other such losses or damages that might be linked to your struggles. For more information about how we may be able to help, contact us online or call us at 818-812-5639.
