5 alarming signs that your workplace is toxic for your mental health

We all hustle day in and day out, and that means so much stress. But if your workplace is causing anxiety and changing you as a person, then you could be working at a toxic workplace.
toxic colleagues
Protect yourself from a toxic enviroment. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Geetika Sachdev Published: 13 Jan 2021, 17:11 pm IST
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People say ‘choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life’. Although it’s an ideal situation, it hardly happens. We don’t mean to say you hate your job, but it’s not normal to love your job to death. Because there are both good and bad days, that’s what life is all about. Some parts of your job might feel great, while other areas might drain you and how. But how do you know if your job is not just stressful but toxic? 

For one, if your job sucks all your energy, then it really isn’t the one for you. It could also be that you like everything about your job, but your client is demanding and that takes a toll on you. Others can’t deal with a boss who is overly critical, because that causes a permanent dent in your self-confidence. 

Whatever be your situation, there are some signs that can help you understand if your job is toxic for your mental health. If you think it resonates with you, then it’s time you look for another job and leave this workplace as soon as you can. 

Ready to find out?

1. You are forever looking for reasons to take leave

You could have those days when you don’t feel like working. After all, everyone wants a break from time to time. In case you find yourself doing this all the time, then it’s a huge sign you hate your workplace. It can also be a warning sign that it’s time to move on.

toxic workplace
Toxic workplace can take away your peace of mind. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
2. Office calls and emails make you anxious

Again, if this happens occasionally, there’s nothing to worry about—we all get bogged down by pressure. But in case you feel anxious every time your manager or superior calls you, then it means something is not right. Anxiety can manifest in the form of stomach aches, chest pain, and sudden chills, and trust us, these things are not normal.

You need to seek professional advice to know how to deal with it, and in the meantime, you can try and be truthful with your boss. If you think frequent calls increase your stress, you can discuss it with them. If they understand, that’s great; but if they don’t, it’s time to call it quits. Nothing comes before your mental health!

3. You try to avoid social events with your colleagues

Since we spend so much time with our office colleagues eventually turn into friends. Don’t we all love those everyday chai or coffee breaks, and yearn for team lunches? If you raised your eyebrow after reading this, then there is a chance you don’t like your colleagues and feel uncomfortable around them. It might also be that you always lie about prior commitments to get out of all plans that your team makes. All these signs show that this organisation isn’t meant for you. Move out as soon as you can!

4. You feel low even after meeting targets

There are times when missing targets causes anxiety, and that is pretty normal. In case you’ve met all your targets, but are still feeling low, then this means that the organisation is impacting your mental health. If you can’t celebrate your achievements, then what’s the point of being associated with a workplace? Don’t feel demotivated and quit your workplace soon. You definitely deserve better than this!

toxic workplace
A toxic workplace can hamper your productivity. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
5. You don’t like the person you are at work

This is the biggest sign of them all. If your workplace is changing you as a person, it is not a good sign. You may find yourself becoming withdrawn, bitter or even cynical. If you think your behaviour has changed with your family members too, then it means your workplace is causing a detrimental effect on your mental health. So ladies, think no more and find another job!

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About the Author

An independent writer and journalist, Geetika loves sharp and fresh humour, just like her coffee! If not writing, you'll find her cafe-hopping and raiding the best book stores in town. ...Read More

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