We’re Listening Series – Workplace Anxiety Post 3

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Photo credit: Krsna Hemant

Here is story #3 on workplace anxiety from a software engineer:

Ever since I was a kid, I used to hate picking up phone calls. Over the years, I felt similar anxiety when dealing with emails as well…I hate answering them, especially when they pile up, and they usually do at my place of work.

Every week, we have a team meeting and I dread it with all my heart. Being in a closed space with fifteen people, with all eyes on me as I am giving status updates about the work I have done over the week is a terribly painful experience. To cope with this, I drink water instead of coffee. Coffee always makes my anxiety worse and having something to hold always helps.

My workplace is supportive of mental health issues. They raise mental health awareness regularly and even provide one on one online counseling for all employees. The company is supportive but the people aren’t, so I do not avail of the services to avoid stigma and discrimination.

If I see someone struggling with too much work, I lend them a listening ear, support them in meetings, and encourage them to speak to the manager to adjust their workload accordingly.

Read workplace anxiety story #2 here.

Recommended Reading: https://www.teleleaf.com/cannabis-potential-treatment-for-anxiety-and-depression/

What do you do to manage your anxiety at work? Let us know your hacks in the comments below. 

Tired of the stigma associated with mental illness?

Tired of the stigma associated with mental illness?

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