MHM Magazine

Issue 6 | 2022 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 31 MHM INTRODUCTION Life, as we know it is changing daily and requires individuals to adapt accordingly. These changes affect people differently. Some people can adjust with ease to the changes, while others struggle. The unexpected changes tend to take a toll on most people. The challenges people experience in and outside the workplace tend to increase the likelihood of the individual suffering from anxiety. For example a young man, Stanley, joined an organisation and was excited and looking forward to taking on the world. He was keen to work with his team, engage with other team leaders and contribute to the success of his unit. He was disappointed and frustrated by the reaction of his teammembers; he felt that some of the teammembers were not pulling their weight, and he ended up working after hours to catch up with the work. He later resigned and joined another organisation, where he was deemed a highflyer. He was doing well and received accolades over the years. He went through significant challenges in his personal life, which changed his outlook on life. He was no longer that energetic, go-getter, go-to person. Instead, he showed frustration, irritability, withdrawal, and doubt in his capability and struggled to deliver on his job. His manager was very observant and introduced some interventions to assist him. He later learned that what he went through was complicated and that he needed support to help himmanage the condition. The information belowwould have given himmore insights had he known before. ANXIETY IS DESCRIBED AS excessive worry and apprehensive expectations, occurring more days than not for at least six months, about several events or activities such as work or school performance. It’s characterised by fear, dread, uneasiness, restlessness, tension, increased heartbeat, and shortness of breath. For example, Stanley may have felt anxious before a major presentation, starting a new job or driving to work. Most people may experience anxiety, which helps them excel and become the best in what they do. The challenge occurs when the anxiety persists, making it difficult for people to cope with daily activities and work. Stanley learned the importance of mental health issues in the workplace. He got the help he needed and was equipped to deal with it. Given the information overload most people are faced with, there is a danger of people self-diagnosing. Self- diagnosis can become a self-fulfilling prophecy; you start noticing some of those symptoms, even if they are not pronounced. The best thing to do if people feel concerned or in doubt is to talk to a relevant practitioner who can assist them appropriately. Sylvia Baloyi Industrial Psychologist Lehlogonolo HR Consulting, Gauteng ANXIETY IN THE WORKPLACE