Mental health: Signs you need a new job

“So, what do you do?” It’s often one of the first questions we ask others and we have a tendency to define ourselves by what we choose to do for a living. Work is an integral part of our lives and when you consider how much time and effort we put into our careers it’s easy to see why success is so important to us.

The continual slog can take its toll and work-related stress, anxiety and depression is commonplace. Dreading going to work and feeling tense all of the time can cause a negative impact on your physical and mental health. These are all signs you need a new job.

Ask yourself “Is my current job too stressful?” If so you may be experiencing some of the following symptoms:

Sleepless nights

We all have the odd sleepless night as we toss and turn in our beds, mulling over a problem. However, if work issues are keeping you awake on a regular basis it could be that you are suffering from stress. Lack of sleep can make us irritable and tiredness can cause us to lose focus. This could affect your productivity and lead to errors, causing even more anxiety.

Loss of libido

Stress can play havoc with the body and when you are feeling up against it your body responds by releasing hormones like epinephrine and cortisol. If this continues unchecked you may experience chronic stress, which can lead to a reduced sex drive. This is troubling for both sexes, but men can also experience the disturbing symptom of erectile dysfunction too. Erectile dysfunction is sometimes described as “impotence” and refers to the inability to get and maintain a firm enough erection to have intercourse. Whilst erectile dysfunction can be caused by medical conditions and certain medications, stress is also known to make it difficult for the brain to send signals triggering an erection.

Worryingly, erectile dysfunction has also been linked to heart disease. Medical experts believe that endothelial dysfunction (a problem with the inner lining of the blood vessels) leads to insufficient blood flow to the heart and lessened blood supply to the penis. Hence, erectile dysfunction is sometimes displayed prior to the diagnosis of heart problems.

Feeling anxious

Anxiety or panic attacks, as they are commonly known can be very distressing and sufferers have described their hearts racing, an aching chest and feeling as though they are having a heart attack. Stress at work can cause feelings of nervousness and constant worry, which can lead to a state of panic. Consistent anxiety is detrimental to your physical and mental health

Feeling irate

We all have our off days, but if you’re experiencing more and more and those and are becoming easily annoyed by your colleagues you should take a moment to consider the cause. A challenging job can leave us feeling harried and you might find yourself being short and snappy with your nearest and dearest, as well as those you work with. If someone close to you has the nerve to mention the change in your behaviour try not to bite their head off! Take it as a warning sign that things may be getting too much and stress may be leading to your anger and irritation.

Sickness and headaches

On Fridays, you experience euphoria as you celebrate the end of your working week, but by Sunday you start to feel that familiar knot in your stomach as you dread the return to reality. For many it’s just a case of putting up with the Monday morning blues and getting on with life, but for some anxiety can cause physical sickness, triggering symptoms of nausea, stomach ache and low moods. Headaches can be another physical symptom of stress. If you’re placing a colossal amount of pressure on yourself this can be your body’s way of telling you that enough is enough.

No work/life balance

There has never been a truer phrase than “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Putting work above all else is not only boring, it’s also harmful to family relationships, social time and our health. Some days are naturally busier than others and problems at work will occasionally call for you to work late or the need to be attached to your phone. The issue becomes more problematic if this scenario becomes the norm. You are not Superman or Superwoman and work should be an element of your life, not the be all and end all. Address your work/life balance and get a new job now!