Job Stress Can Take a Toll on Your Health

Anyone who is employed has probably experienced stress and anxiety related to their profession.  

Work is not usually thought of as a “fun” or relaxing activity, but some people are so affected by job-related issues, that they take those feelings home with them, creating a giant circle of negativity that they can’t seem to escape.

Some of the most common reasons for high stress levels at work are overworking, fear of impending layoffs, thoughts that you are in the wrong career, and conflicts with your co-workers or boss.  Many compliance and ethics professionals have recently reported waking up during the night with job-related worries.

These people have even considered quitting their jobs due to this stress.  “This disturbing data was revealed in a recent survey conducted in October and November of 2011 by the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics and the Health Care Compliance Association.

Overall, 58% of survey respondents reported that they often wake up during the middle of the night worrying about job-related stress and 60% report having considered leaving their job in the last 12 months due to job-related stress.”

For these particular professionals, having to keep up with ever-changing laws and regulations preventing compliance and ethics violations is one of the greatest contributors to on-the-job stress.  When work-related stress becomes severe, it can have a harsh impact on a person’s health.

Stress and anxiety can create both short-term and long-term health problems.  Some workers experience frequent headache, stomach issues, distressed social relationships, and an increase in the use of alcohol and/or drugs.  High stress is no joke; it can even go on to create long-term problems such as cardiovascular disease and psychological disorders.

If your job is causing you severe anxiety, there are ways to help yourself (provided you do not choose to find a new job or quit altogether).

If you are overworking yourself, take a vacation.  Businesses provide vacation days for a reason, so take advantage of them.  If you are having personal issues with a boss or co-worker, try to sit down, talk to them personally and see if a way to get along better can be figured out.

And if the stress is just too overwhelming for you to deal with on your own, don’t shy away from seeking professional help.