6 Ways Mental Health Impacts Your Career-Conclusion
By Erin Ford
Last week we looked at the first 3 ways mental health can affect your career. Here are the remaining three.
Problem: You can’t handle things that others can.
At one of my previous jobs, there were a lot of straightforward tasks we did for clients. These included weekly update calls and occasionally cold-calling people.
To me, these calls were close to devastating. I would dread any phone conference I had to be a part of and would feel sick to my stomach until it was over. Meanwhile, my co-workers were able to participate without a problem.
Obviously, this doesn’t just apply to phone calls. For those with clinical anxiety, simple tasks can feel insurmountable.
Solution:
There were a few things I tried that made these tasks a little easier. When making a call, I’d write out an entire script ahead of time. I would also put on an adorable kitten video to glance at whenever I felt like I couldn’t handle it. There were also some calls that I was able to pass on to co-workers who didn’t mind doing them.
Try to be creative in your approach to doing the tasks you dread. See if there are little things you can do to help ease the pressure or set up a reward system for yourself. You can also talk to co-workers about how you’re feeling. You never know what solutions they may come up with.
Problem: You’re so completely overwhelmed that you shut down.
Work is work; there’s no way around that. In the industry I was previously part of, things were fast-paced and always changing. When my performance started to dip, the work started piling up. My anxiety grew exponentially, and soon it felt impossible to handle anything that came my way. All my tasks were past due, and whenever a coworker came to check on an assignment, I hadn’t done it. Whenever anyone asked me a question, my brain felt like a beehive, and I wasn’t able to answer. I felt incapable of accomplishing anything.
With all of these thoughts spinning around in my head, completely shutting down was a quick and simple solution. Those with anxiety are especially susceptible to this feeling.
Solution:
When you’re feeling completely overwhelmed, there are a few things you can do to help yourself in the short-term. Take a walk outside or through the building, talk to a coworker you like, make a list, listen to calming music, or have a quick phone call with a loved one. For a more long-term solution, see if you’re able to work on other projects, get extra help with tasks, or change your job responsibilities.
Problem: You’re in the wrong career.
Growing up, you’re told you can be anything you want to be. But let’s be honest; there are some careers you’re simply not cut out for. Some people love things fast-paced, while others want more structure. Certain jobs involve tons of travel, which can be extremely exciting or utterly overwhelming. There are jobs that others can handle, but might force you into uncomfortable, potentially triggering situations.
I previously worked in an industry that didn’t fit me, which worsened my mental state. At times, things went smoothly, and at other times simply leaving the office for a meeting drained me for the entire week. Putting on live events for clients was my own personal hell. Just because the job was exciting and fun for some, it was, at times, torturous for me.
Solution:
Realize that it’s okay to not fit in a certain career. Listen to your inner wisdom, and if it’s telling you you’re not in the right job, follow that advice.
If your work situation is impacting your mental health, you need to leave. This can be incredibly scary, especially when you don’t have anything lined up. Plus, the people in your life may encourage you to just stick it out. But for someone with a mental illness, that’s not always a good idea. Not everyone understands what you’re going through or how a bad job can severely impact your mental state.
After learning these lessons the hard way, I’ve arrived at a point where my job is a source of happiness instead of stress and dread, my workload is manageable, and my career path fits me. I take the personal days I’m given, and I’m supported by those on my team. It’s important for those with a mental illness to be extra aware of the ways your disease can impact your career.
Author Bio
Erin is a travel writer for Hotels4Teams, a hotel booking company. She is passionate about writing on the topics of careers, wellness, and mental health
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