Act Fast: Recognizing 5 Symptoms for an Appointment with a Workplace Mental Health Psychologist

When it comes to workplace mental health, it is important to be aware of the warning signs and take action quickly. If you’re noticing changes in your behaviour or that of a colleague, it may be time to book an appointment with a workplace mental health psychologist. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step to getting the right help, so here are five signs to look out for if you think you or someone else needs the assistance of a workplace mental health psychologist.

What is workplace mental health, and why is it important?

Workplace mental health refers to the overall well-being of an individual’s mental health in relation to their work environment. This includes their emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Maintaining good mental health is crucial to having a successful and fulfilling career. 

Poor workplace mental health can decrease productivity, absenteeism, increased conflict, and low morale. Employers who prioritize the mental health of their employees have been shown to have better business outcomes. This is because happy, healthy, and motivated employees tend to be more engaged and productive, and have lower rates of turnover. 

In addition to the benefits for businesses, good workplace mental health can positively impact an individual’s overall wellbeing, as we spend a significant amount of time in our workplace. By creating a positive work environment that supports employee’s mental health, it is possible to improve the quality of life for everyone involved. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of poor workplace mental health, it’s important to take them seriously and seek professional help. By doing so, you can take the necessary steps to improve your wellbeing, which will not only benefit you, but your work as well.

Recognizing the Symptoms

As we mentioned earlier, mental health is just as important as physical health and requires immediate attention and care. However, mental health issues are often overlooked or ignored, especially in the workplace.

That is why recognizing the symptoms of workplace mental health problems is crucial. Here are some signs that indicate the need to seek help from a workplace mental health psychologist:

1. Increased stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety are common symptoms of workplace mental health problems. If you are experiencing constant worry, nervousness, and fear, it may be time to talk to a mental health professional.

2. Declining work performance

Mental health problems can have a significant impact on work performance. If you notice a decline in your productivity, quality of work, and attendance, it is time to seek help.

3. Withdrawal from co-workers

If you are finding it hard to interact with co-workers and colleagues or avoiding social situations at work, it could be a sign of mental health issues. If you feel isolated and alone, talk to a mental health professional to seek support.

4. Loss of interest in activities outside of work

Losing interest in activities that you previously enjoyed can be a symptom of mental health problems. If you find it hard to engage in activities outside of work or lose interest in hobbies or sports, it is time to seek professional help.

5. Increased irritability and mood swings

Mood swings and irritability can indicate underlying mental health problems. If you find yourself getting easily agitated, angry, or frustrated, seek help immediately.

Recognizing these symptoms and taking the necessary steps to seek help can make a significant difference in managing mental health problems and preventing them from getting worse. Remember that taking care of your mental health is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step towards better wellbeing.

Increased stress and anxiety

If you are experiencing increased levels of stress and anxiety in the workplace, it’s essential to take it seriously. Workplace stress can result from a range of factors such as tight deadlines, conflicts with colleagues, high-pressure workloads, and an uncertain job environment. These factors can affect your mental wellbeing and negatively impact your work performance.

Stress and anxiety symptoms may include restlessness, difficulty concentrating, constant worrying, and physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach aches. When left unaddressed, these symptoms can lead to more serious mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety disorders.

If you are experiencing increased stress and anxiety, it’s important to take action quickly. Scheduling an appointment with a workplace mental health psychologist can provide you with the necessary support and coping strategies to manage these symptoms and prevent them from escalating. 

Declining work performance

One of the key symptoms that should not be ignored is a decline in work performance. If you are struggling to stay focused, missing deadlines, or unable to meet your daily targets, it might be a sign of a deeper issue.

This is particularly true if you are usually on top of your work, and this sudden decline in performance is unusual. It can be tough to acknowledge this to your boss or co-workers, but if you ignore it, it will likely only get worse.

There are many potential reasons for a decline in work performance. It could be due to burnout, stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Regardless of the cause, it is important to address it promptly to avoid the situation spiralling out of control.

Meeting with a workplace mental health psychologist can help you to understand what is happening and what you can do about it. This could include counselling, stress management techniques, or even taking some time off work to focus on your mental health.

Withdrawal from co-workers

If you find yourself suddenly avoiding conversations or interactions with co-workers, it could be a sign that your mental health is taking a toll on your work life. When you’re not feeling your best, it can be challenging to be around others and keep up with social interactions. This can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from the people around you.

While it’s normal to have moments where you feel like being alone, prolonged withdrawal from social interactions with colleagues could indicate something more serious. Isolating yourself from others can worsen feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, it can make it more challenging to complete work tasks that require collaboration and teamwork.

If you notice that you’re avoiding interactions with your co-workers more frequently, it’s essential to take steps to address the underlying issue. This might involve speaking with your manager about your mental health struggles, seeking support from a mental health professional, or even just taking a break from work to recharge.

Loss of interest in activities outside of work

Another red flag that could indicate the need for an appointment with a workplace mental health psychologist is a loss of interest in activities outside of work. This could mean that someone who previously enjoyed hobbies, social events, or even spending time with family is now disinterested and uninvolved.

If you notice yourself or a co-worker showing signs of this symptom, it’s important to take action and seek help. Loss of interest in activities outside of work could be a sign of depression or burnout, which could lead to more serious mental health problems if left unchecked.

Some potential causes of this symptom could be excessive work hours, job dissatisfaction, or unresolved personal issues. A workplace mental health psychologist can help identify the root cause of the problem and develop a plan to address it.

Increased irritability and mood swings

Have you noticed yourself feeling more easily irritated than usual lately? Do you find yourself experiencing frequent mood swings that are difficult to control? If so, these may be warning signs that it’s time to seek out the help of a workplace mental health psychologist.

Irritability and mood swings can be symptoms of a variety of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or even bipolar disorder. These issues can have a significant impact on your work performance, relationships with co-workers, and overall quality of life. Seeking professional help can be an important step in addressing these issues before they become more serious.

It’s important to remember that irritability and mood swings are not a sign of weakness, and seeking help is a sign of strength. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help when you need it is an important part of taking care of yourself.

Conclusion

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. In the workplace, it is especially important to recognize the signs and symptoms of poor mental health. If you are experiencing increased stress and anxiety, declining work performance, withdrawal from co-workers, loss of interest in activities outside of work, or increased irritability and mood swings, it is important to act fast and seek help from a workplace mental health psychologist. Don’t wait until your mental health is in crisis mode to seek support. By addressing the issue early on, you can take steps towards improving your overall wellbeing and creating a healthy work environment for yourself and your co-workers. Remember, taking care of your mental health is a journey and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.