Work Anxieties That Aggravated My Stress Level:

I have had my share of problems while working in the IT industry for 18 years. I went through a lot of stress when I rejoined my office during the appraisal period, right after my pregnancy. I wasn't deemed for promotions and appraisals when I rejoined my office, after five months of delivering my child. My office presumed that I wouldn't take up higher responsibilities because of my duties as a new mother. It was a great setback for me because my work opportunities were seized away for being a mother.

My workplace recession, along with added responsibilities at the home front and the hormonal changes, took a toll on me. It caused me great distress and ultimately led me to switch my company. Women at the workplace often have to deal with such discriminations regarding access to opportunities based on their personal promotion. There are always more assumptions regarding women, rather than straight-up asking them if they can or cannot.

Mental Health Issues Of Working Professionals:

People should talk openly about mental health problems without worrying about any judgments, similar to how they speak of illnesses such as fever or flu. It's something that affects every aspect of one's being, even physical health. Women are often less ambitious at their workplace. They easily adjust themselves to being paid half the salary of their male counterparts.

For many years, women have been told to be okay with a basic wage, enough to meet their family needs. They fear taking up challenges to rise up the ladder. On the other hand, men deal with a greater level of stress and anxiety as they choose to continue working in a toxic environment despite the hurdles. They don't usually switch jobs, unlike women.

Strategies To Deal With Stress And Anxiety:

One way to identify your stress is to check for any physical pain. I went through a lot of stress two years back during which I developed immense jaw pain. I visited the dentist and did the routine of getting myself checked along with taking meds but came up with naught. Later on, one of my friends, a life coach, told me that it was probably because I was developing a lot of stress.

She asked me if I was stuck on something, making me realise my dilemma to leave my current corporate job. The stress was piling up within me, which is why my jaw was continuously paining. My jaw pain immediately vanished when I accepted and acknowledged the cause of it. Being in denial of it only leads to further deterioration. The third step to dealing with stress is to seek help, especially from professionals.

Finding Your Circle Of Belonging:

Most of us have three circles of belongings. The first circle consists of extremely close people, such as our close friends and family. The second circle consists of co-workers and managers who wouldn't judge you for sharing your work-related stress. The third circle consists of strangers like life coaches and counsellors, who will help you without any judgments. One can be open about their problems to these strangers and can expect guidance in return. Everyone must know their three circles of belonging, those you can be comfortable reaching out to in times of distress.

Workplace Practices That Worsens Mental Health:

Lack of empathy for colleagues, low emotional intelligence, lack of opportunities, peer pressure, and comparisons of employees based on race, colour, background, culture, etc., are often the causes of mental health issues at the workplace.

My Advice On Workplace Comparisons:

Employees must not compare themselves with their colleagues and feel low about themselves. Instead of focusing on their past qualifications, they must learn to upgrade their current skills. Be courageous enough to seek better opportunities instead of waiting for the company to provide you with one. Companies can also have counsellors and life coaches at the workplace for employees to reach out to in times of distress. Emotional wellness programs too, need to be inculcated at the work front. HR’s can make it compulsory for employees to attend wellness programs, which can be associated with their appraisals. This would help employees to imbibe at least 2% of the wellness, if not 100%.

My Definition Of A Healthy Mind:

For me, a healthy mind is a happy mind, one that lives in the present moment instead of being stuck in the past or worrying about the future. Sometimes there is no point in fighting a situation; instead, you can accept it for what it is and adjust your course of actions with it. It would help if you acted upon the things under your control rather than focusing on things outside your control.

About SCIKEY:

SCIKEY, is a Digital platform for Jobs, Work & Talent Solutions. Our vision is to create jobs & work opportunities for billion minds. Our mission is to help employers worldwide get access to quality talent and talent solutions in a click.

'SCIKEY Assured,' a premium managed services offering by SCIKEY, delivers the best outcomes to enterprise customers globally for talent solutions getting delivered offshore, remotely, or on-premise. We are super-proud to be working with some of the world's most iconic Fortune1000 brands.