5 Clear Signs Your Job Is Affecting Your Mental Health

No job is perfect. You may feel like your workdays never end, your boss doesn't appreciate you or gets on your nerves, and your coworkers don't make a good team. Every job has its ups and downs, but your mental health shouldn't spiral out of control because of it. If this happens, try to get out of the vicious circle you are stuck in!

Recent studies have shown that employees who experience low job security may end up with lower productivity at work, lower job satisfaction, and even depression. To help you understand if your chosen job is affecting you negatively, watch for signs that appear if your mental health is at risk!

1. Your sleep schedule has changed

One of the clearest signs that your job is taking a toll on you outside of the workplace is a change in your sleep patterns. American psychologist Gregory Kushnick points to this. Mental health can decline if you don't get enough sleep. Try to find out what is causing your restless nights and whether it is related to work.

2. You are in a bad mood on weekdays

Stress can be caused not only by the tasks a job requires, but also by a lack of stability at work, especially when there is a lack of good, clear communication. Worrying about job performance can cause anxiety and low self-esteem. Notice if there are subtle or obvious changes in your mood between a regular work day and a weekend day. If you start your workday fearing imminent disaster or feeling hopeless, then you know your job is having a negative impact on you.

3. You are afraid of possible dismissal

Imposter syndrome is real and most of us experience it every day, whether we realize it or not. As with any toxic relationship, when your thoughts at work are not positive, your job can often make you second guess your every move. You end up feeling chronically stressed, anxious, and afraid of getting fired.

4. You no longer feel valued.

Your mental health can suffer if you don't feel valued where you work. A toxic job can also affect your self-esteem. Without realizing it, you start talking negatively about yourself. A toxic job makes you feel devalued and you end up seeing your salary as your only personal reward.

You may also be interested in: Is this job right for you? Take the test and find out if you're waiting for better times or ready to retire

5. You have become a pessimist

When your outlook on life and work has become negative, it is a clear sign that you should look for a job that suits you better. Do you complain, spend your breaks gossiping, or are you more pessimistic than usual? Review your work situation!

PHOTO: Shutterstock