For many adults, a large part of the day is spent working. Whether you work in an office, clinic, school, store, outdoors, or from home, the work environment can have an impact on your mental well-being.

Work itself isn't necessarily bad for mental health. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) explains that decent work can support mental health by providing a livelihood, a sense of purpose and achievement, positive relationships, and a feeling of belonging within a community. However, unhealthy working conditions can have the opposite effect.

When Work Stress Starts Adding Up

Stressful days happen in almost every job. The concern is when stress becomes ongoing and begins affecting everyday life.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the CDC, job stress can occur when the demands of a job don't match a worker's abilities, resources, or needs. NIOSH notes that job stress can lead to harmful physical and emotional responses and may affect a person's health.

The WHO also identifies excessive workloads, long or inflexible hours, lack of control over work, job insecurity, limited support from coworkers, and bullying or harassment as workplace conditions that can put mental health at risk.

Over time, workers may notice changes such as feeling emotionally exhausted, having trouble concentrating, becoming more irritable, struggling to sleep, or losing motivation.

Burnout Isn't Just About the Employee

It's easy to think that preventing burnout simply means telling employees to rest more or practice self-care. But workplace mental health is also influenced by the environment in which people work.

Emily Kirby, BPH, and L. Casey Chosewood, MD, MPH, writing for NIOSH, explain that chronic exposure to occupational stress can worsen mental health and that workplace risk factors can contribute to problems that extend beyond work.

The U.S. Surgeon General's Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being similarly identifies five important areas for healthier workplaces: protection from harm, connection and community, work-life harmony, mattering at work, and growth opportunities. The framework emphasizes that supportive relationships and a sense of belonging can contribute to worker well-being.

Small Changes Can Make a Difference

Employees can support their mental wellness by taking reasonable breaks, getting enough rest, staying physically active, connecting with supportive people, and setting healthy boundaries between work and personal life when possible.

Employers and managers have a role, too. Open communication, manageable expectations, supportive leadership, opportunities for connection, and access to mental health resources can help create a healthier workplace.

Mental health shouldn't only become a priority when someone reaches a breaking point.

If work-related stress, anxiety, depression, or emotional exhaustion begins interfering with daily life, relationships, sleep, or the ability to function, talking with a mental health professional may be a helpful next step.

At Southwest Therapeutics, we believe mental wellness matters at work, at home, and throughout our community.

📍 Southwest Therapeutics
1419 S. Santa Barbara St., Deming, NM
📞 Contact Us: 575-936-4227
☎ After Hours: 575-519-8579

References

World Health Organization (WHO). Mental Health at Work. WHO states that decent work can support mental health through purpose, achievement, positive relationships, and inclusion, while conditions such as excessive workloads, low job control, job insecurity, and limited workplace support can pose mental-health risks.
WHO — Mental Health at Work

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stress and Work. NIOSH defines job stress as harmful physical and emotional responses that can occur when job requirements do not match a worker's capabilities, resources, or needs.
CDC/NIOSH — Stress and Work

Emily Kirby, BPH, and L. Casey Chosewood, MD, MPH — National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace. The authors discuss how chronic occupational stress and workplace conditions can affect workers' mental health and overall well-being.
CDC/NIOSH — Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace

Office of the U.S. Surgeon General. The Surgeon General's Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being. The framework identifies protection from harm, connection and community, work-life harmony, mattering at work, and opportunity for growth as five essentials for workplace well-being.
U.S. Surgeon General — Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being