Workplace
Workplace stress can lead to psychological injury.
Workplaces can be a dynamic environment. There are many interpersonal and personal stressors at play. There are signs and indicators to allow us to measure how we are responding to stress. Our capacity to see this stress building, how we manage, and how we are supported externally to the work place are important protective factors. Often we can feel overwhelmed and our relationships with family and well-being suffer. We rely on these internal and external cues to understand what is occurring internally. Has a family member or workplace colleague suggested talking to someone?
Psychological injury can occur when workplace stress elicits a stress response to the point of a psychological disorder such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or anxiety disorder.
Risk factors for workplace stress and injury
Workplace stress and injury can be caused by environmental, organisational and individual factors. This can include:
- unsafe noise levels and accidents
- high job demand, lack of support from managers and organisational change
- bullying and harassment
Symptoms and treatment options
If you notice changes in your sleeping and eating, lack of enjoyment in usually pleasurable activities, increased drug or alcohol use, lack of exercise, mood changes, increased worry and rumination; or your family and/or workplace has expressed concern, you can talk about this with your GP to assist you in seeking help or call our team to make an appointment.
You can also check if your company or organisation offer EAP counselling.
Everyone is different in the way we respond to stressors and hazards.
HANDY TIPS
- Be friendly – even if you don’t feel in the mood to smile, give it a go. Greet people warmly in the morning, compliment others, use people’s names and don’t be afraid to start conversations.
- Take an interest in others well-being – ask general questions about how they are going and get to know people.
- Master small talk, laugh easily, make eye contact and have open body language – this will make you more approachable and people will feel comfortable talking to you.