Mental Health & Stress at Work

Clare Walker
Perth Counsellor & Psychotherapist

Mental health at work has become an increasingly hot topic for both boardrooms and governments. The statistics are showing a general upward incline in mental health issues. Over the period 2010-2015 one out of every 1,470 full-time employees claimed for a mental health condition every year, with:

• 91% of claims attributed to mental stress
• 60% of claims awarded to workers aged 40 and over; and
• 41% of claims caused by harassment, bullying or exposure to violence

It is perhaps not surprising to see mental stress topping the claims league. Some of the most common workplace stressors are:

• Excessive workloads
• Conflicting demands or unclear performance expectations
• Not having enough control over job related decisions
• Work that isn't challenging or engaging

There is no doubt that these are real issues for those who are exposed to these types of stressors. Being able to communicate clearly around our own expectations and boundaries is an important part of establishing ourselves at the workplace. Managing relationships and understanding how others operate in the work culture can also be a key factor in helping us to fit in. These are all practical strategies that can help deter or alleviate stressors.

Arguably, there are also other personal drivers that create stress for individuals in the workplace. How we see others and ourselves plays an important role in how we perceive and manage stressful situations. If you find yourself wondering why you seem to struggle to navigate the work environment, or experience difficult relationships with colleagues, you might consider asking yourself some questions, such as:

• Do you put a lot of pressure on yourself to succeed but feel you are still not good enough?
• Do you feel the need to control situations that you may not have any control over?
• Are you hypervigilant to the needs of others in the organisation, often sacrificing your own needs in order to meet others?

Being able to get clarity on how we see or experience others or ourselves is an important part of understanding how we respond to perceived stressors. Working with a therapist through these issues can help you to understand the parts that you bring to the situation, and the parts that your workplace or colleagues contribute. Having a clearer and more balanced view can take some of the emotive aspects out of the situation, helping you to build a more solid sense of who you are, as well as aiding your ability to cope with issues both now and in the future.

Clare Walker has worked for diverse organisations internationally, both in human resources and behavioural change, and has a strong appreciation of the challenges people face in organisations and the potential impacts on mental health. If you would like to talk through any of these issues please contact her at:

Applecross Counselling & Psychotherapy
Attadale Business Centre
14b, 550 Canning Hwy
Attadale WA 6153
www.applecrosscounselling.com.au
Email: enquiries@applecrosscounselling.com.au

References: Safe Work Australia

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