Work Overload: How to Have a Breakthrough Before a Work-related Mental Breakdown

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It’s no secret that here in the United States, we work to live and not the other way around. While the cost of living continues to rise, so too has the countless hours that many of us put into our jobs. For some, those extra hours are met with something they enjoy.

But for so many of us out there, these hours are worked at jobs we just can’t stand to do. Growing up, our parents told us that we can be whatever we wanted to be. What they didn’t tell us is that there are some jobs that you’re going to hate along the way. And those jobs can potentially cause a work-related mental breakdown.

What can cause a work-related mental breakdown

A mental breakdown can happen at any time and due to any long-term stressor in your life. And for so many of us, we’re overwhelmed by the demanding stresses of living every day. When you look at the big factors, your job may be one.

While they provide us with an income, they also provide many of us with continuous stress. Whether you love your job but there’s too much work or you hate your job and feel there’s no escape, the workload we take on has a great effect on you mentally.

I’m in a current situation where I work for two separate companies in the same office. For the past seven years, I’ve spent my days going back and forth doing different forms of work for both. And now this unique situation I find myself in is starting to stress me to the point of mental drain.

I’m finding myself feeling less satisfied with my work and angrier at myself.

Oftentimes, the stresses at work become the signs of what’s to come. When it comes to work-related stress, it’s common to start to fade away from that joy and excitement you had when you were first hired.

Some of the things that can contribute to work related stress are:

• Micromanaging from your boss
• Lack of growth or no advancement within the company
• Repetitive work or lack of creativity
• Conflicts with co-workers, supervisors, or bosses
• Poor work environment and conditions
• Excessive workload or long hours
• Little to no work/life balance
• Low salaries or benefits

Many of these go hand and hand. And many have experienced multiple ones during the same time. I am definitely going through some of these now. But the more these issues pile on, the more your mental state changes.

And the more you start to experience things like mood swings, depressive symptoms, and a lack of motivation within yourself. It’s only then that we tend to let these things affect us so much that we find ourselves one day at the point of no return.

Knowing when you’re on the verge of a work-related mental breakdown

Believe it or not, there’s no one on this planet that knows you better than yourself. Which is why you’ll be the first person to know that a mental breakdown is close. Many of the signs are no different than any other breakdown.

• Change in appetite, or lack of sleep
• Lack of motivation to do daily activities
• Anxiety and depression
• Sluggish movements (such as walking or moving slow)

But there are also some signs you feel that relate to the stresses of work 

• Difficulty getting up in the morning
• Trouble concentrating on work task
• Irritability towards co-workers, staff
• Absence from work more
• Performing less work

All of these can work together to form a ball of emotion, that can put you at the front door of a mental breakdown. 

What to do if your job just isn’t working for you anymore

The best thing about the world we live in is that there are different forms of work. While the basics of the workforce may be similar (we’re saturated with so many companies), everyone brings something different to the table.

So why not find a new job? I know what you’re thinking, “That’s easier said than done.” And you’re right. Finding a new job right away is difficult. As I’m writing this, I find myself in this situation. And although I’m working towards changing careers for something more creative (freelance writer), searching for a new job takes a lot of work.

However, it doesn’t hurt to try, even if you enjoy what you do. Maybe it’s time for a new environment. 

Here are a few other things you can try while waiting for that new job to arrive:

• Talk to your boss – sometimes it may help to get things off your chest when you go to the source of your problem. Try having a sit-down with your supervisor, manager, or boss and express your concerns. Together, you may come up with a solution to help alleviate the stress.
• Change your work schedule – sometimes a change in the hours can help brighten the mood at work. Depending on your job, switching your hours for a bit may help to take off the pressures of your work environment. A change in your schedule could mean working with a different team as well.
• Take a leave of absence – there are times where stepping away from the stresses of your job is beneficial. If possible, request a leave of absence for a period of time. Give yourself the time you need to rejuvenate your mind so you’re able to return to work in a better mindset.
• Quit – to quit would be the absolute last resort. If you feel so overwhelmed by your situation, then it may be time to hand in your two weeks’ notice. However, a word of advice would be to be sure to have some type of income lined up to carry you over to the next job.

How can you recover from a work-related mental breakdown

Now that we took a look at what may cause a work-related mental breakdown, what happens if you’ve already experienced one? 

Breakdowns can be scary. It’s at that very moment you lose all sense of control and find yourself unable to calm down. Your emotions feel out of whack and anyone nearby is fair game for a possible attack.

As scary as they are, it’s understandable that they happen so much in our society. We push each other to our breaking points. And let’s face it, even though we can do the grueling tasks of these jobs on a regular basis, we weren’t mentally made to handle an overload of pressure.

If you find yourself at your breaking point, here are some things that can help you get through:

• Therapy – there’s nothing I advocate more for when it comes to your mental health than therapy. Having the right professional for you will help you walk through the minefields of a mental breakdown. Whether it’s a therapist, psychiatrist, or counseling, having someone to talk to and assist you is a huge benefit. 
• Support from peers, groups, loved ones, and friends – a support system is a must-have when it comes to a breakdown. Being surrounded by others that you can share with will not only give you a comfort zone to speak freely but also others who understand what you’re going through. These are the people who have your back during those difficult moments.

No one wants to go through a breakdown alone. So having an outlet to discuss what you’re feeling can help you get through it a bit easier than handling it on your own. Like everything in life, it’s a process that is worked on overtime.

And a key thing to remember is, never to return back to a job when not ready after having a mental breakdown. You’ll know when you’re ready to return back to work. 

Conclusion

In our society, the pressures that we place on each other in the workforce leave little room to address our mental wellbeing. Slowly, companies are starting to implement programs and mental health days for their employees. However, the workload still remains the same.

As difficult as it may be, taking care of our mental wellbeing should always be first. Take the time to step away from the job and align yourself back to a healthier state. I will be sure to do the same. 

So, have you ever experienced a work-related mental breakdown? What are some things you’ve tried to escape the stresses of work? Feel free to share in the comments down below. Like and share for others to see. And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @NaciaSGS for updates and on Instagram at thesilenttorch for daily affirmations, self-care tips, and questions of the day.

Until next time, this is Tammy saying keep strong, keep positive. And NOTHING’s impossible!!!