Symptoms of “work” stress are named, because of which you need to quit

Attempts to hide in sleep, absenteeism, hyper-responsibility

Almost 80% of Russians are depressed by their job and are ready to change it if the opportunity arises. Sociologists came to this conclusion in a study conducted by an online health research service. More than 2/3 of respondents admitted that they constantly experience fatigue and stress at work, and are not averse to radically changing their profession. Psychologist Maryana Razumovskaya warns against leaving your workplace: “You’re just not resting properly.”

1,720 people took part in the survey on the portal. 79% of them admitted that they regularly think about quitting due to chronic fatigue and stress. Half of the respondents periodically want to change their profession. Slightly fewer respondents, 77%, often experience negative emotions in the workplace.

Every fifth of those surveyed reported experiencing anxiety and noticing symptoms of professional burnout. 28% said they were very tired. Other negative factors affecting work’s impact on life and health included: low wages (33%), impossibility of career growth (18%), complex and boring tasks, minute-by-minute schedules, incompetent management (16% each), etc.

At the same time, 45% of respondents admitted to conformism: they are ready to endure stress and negativity for the sake of a high salary. Or such additional preferences as cash bonuses (31%), corporate transport (24%), social package with VHI (23%), etc.

“Everyone is dissatisfied with their work from time to time; every activity has its downsides,” says family psychologist Maryana Razumovskaya. — Dissatisfaction with work has even become an element of folklore: there are sayings like “Work makes horses die” or “Work is not a wolf…”, “sheets of anger” and so on.

But these are markers that actually show that the problems are not that serious.

However, some people at work truly experience stress overload, even to the point of depression.

According to the expert, signs of such destructive stress caused by work may be a reluctance to return to reality in the morning, attempts to “hide into sleep.” Or an irresistible desire not to go to work, even unmotivated absenteeism. Apathy or, conversely, hyper-responsibility, sitting at work longer and doing more than what a person is required to do. Attacks of irritability and aggression towards colleagues or subordinates. Insomnia or intrusive dreams involving bosses or colleagues. And even if there is none of this, but you think that you have fallen into a trap, that work is “consuming your life,” it is better to discuss this with a specialist, the psychologist emphasizes.

– In other cases, given that a radical change of profession and type of activity is a step comparable in psychological stress to divorce or emigration, we can advise you not to change your job so abruptly. If you’re tired of everything, perhaps courses, certification, or related competencies will help, advises Razumovskaya.

The psychologist also notes that most modern workers relax on the computer, phone or watching a movie.

– Constantly looking at the screen overloads the nervous system. This kind of passive rest must be limited. If you don’t have time or motivation for running, cycling or fitness, you can limit yourself to simple exercises on a mat at home. Or go for a massage. Even the simplest physical activities provide a dose of endorphin, a hormone that increases satisfaction with life, including professional life, says Razumovskaya.