Work-related stress

If you are going through a difficult time in life, it can affect your ability to work. You might be signed off sick because of work-related stress or difficulties with your physical health. Anyone can be affected and everyone's experience is unique, but you may be feeling:

• Low
• Tired and unable to concentrate
• Anxious and tearful
• Unable to manage and organise your work
• Confused and upset

What is burnout?

Work-related stress is sometimes confused with something called 'burnout'. This is a type of stress linked to work which often involves other emotions such as feeling powerless, useless and empty which also impacts your physical and mental health.

How can I feel less overwhelmed at work?

It's important to remember that you're not alone. Everyone feels like this at times. If you are struggling with work-related stress there are things you can do to help:

• Talk to your manager: communication is key so have a conversation about prioritising your workload/setting realistic goals
• Seek support: ask your peers, friends or loved ones for help or delegate if you can
• Establish boundaries and stick to them: having a positive work-life balance is essential for your wellbeing
• Recharge and reset: take some exercise, practice mindfulness, go outside or talk to a friend - it's important to be kind to yourself

How can TALKWORKS help with work-related stress?

If you are over 18, living in Devon (outside Plymouth) and are receiving therapy from TALKWORKS, our employment support team can help to you find, stay in and get back to work.

We work closely with other services to provide advice, information and guidance on local employment opportunities. We are not an employment agency or a job broker and seeing us will not affect any entitlement to benefits that you have.