From extended hours and client calls on the weekends to unreasonable deadlines and conflicts with colleagues, work can add a lot of stress to your life. In fact, a study conducted by the Lumina Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Omidyar Network and Gallup found that less than 50 percent of people in the United States believe they are in a good job.
But do occasional tight project turnarounds mean you’re in a toxic work environment? Not necessarily. However, there are some key signs that suggest your workplace is not supporting your mental health and could lead you down a road of depression or anxiety.
5 Indications You’re Working at a Toxic Workplace
A minor disagreement with a coworker every once in a while or working late at the office a few nights a year aren’t usually cause for concern. But what if those coworker conflicts bordered on harassment or what if you’ve been putting in 10 to 15-hour days consistently with little reprieve?
Here’s 5 key signs you’re dealing with a toxic workplace and an employer who may not be looking out for your mental health and happiness:
1. Your Employer Sets Unreasonable Expectations. In a study from CareerBuilder, 58 percent of managers reported they never received management training. If you’re not being supported by your manager and if there are signs that they are delegating all their work to you, holding you to unreasonable deadlines or speaking to you disrespectfully, you are in a toxic work environment.
2. You’ve Had Panic Attacks Caused by Work. Has your never-ending to-do list sent you so far over the edge that you’ve suffered panic attacks? If the amount of work you have to constantly keep up with has brought you to tears on more than one occasion and left you feeling depressed, you’re in a role that doesn’t respect your work life balance.
3. You Can’t Stop Thinking about Deadlines When Home. Home is where you’re supposed to be able to turn off work and enjoy your family, friends and down time. Deadlines and work drama that keep your mind spinning even when at home are a cause for concern, as they can ultimately lead to mental and psychological burnout.
4. You’re Working on Your Vacation Days. Vacations are meant to help you get physically, mentally and emotionally away from work. Whether you’re traveling or just doing a staycation, this time is meant for you to participate in activities other than your job. If you’re obligated to answer emails, get on the phone with clients or work on projects during your vacation, your employer isn’t respecting your time off.
5. You’re Being Harassed by Colleagues or Management. Harassment in the workplace can range from verbal aggravation from your manager or coworkers to discrimination and sexual harassment. If you’ve experienced any of these behaviors in the workplace, you’re part of an unhealthy culture that can put your mental and physical health at risk.
Being part of a toxic work environment can ultimately trigger depression and anxiety disorders. Receiving little to no appreciation at work and struggling with feelings of worthlessness can have a ripple effect across all aspects of your life.
If you’re struggling with a mental health disorder that was either sparked or made worse by your workplace or if you’ve turned to alcohol or drugs to try to cope, The Raleigh House can help.
Get Addiction and Mental Health Support at The Raleigh House
You are meant for so much more than long nights at the office and coping with managers or coworkers who don’t appreciate you. At The Raleigh House, we can help you see that there is more to life than work and teach you ways to ensure you maintain a work life balance.
With over 10 years of experience in the addiction and behavioral health field, we can help you heal from substance abuse and teach you healthy ways to cope with your depression or anxiety. Contact our expert team today to learn more about our treatment approach and to find out how to get started.
