Employees with an anxiety disorder can have immense psychological suffering in the workplace. Workplace anxiety can lead to them turning down a promotion or other opportunities just because they either involve public speaking or a lot of traveling. It can also lead them to make excuses to get out of office meetings, staff lunches or office parties.

In a national survey conducted on anxiety in the workplace, persons with anxiety disorders raised the following difficult situations; setting and meeting set deadlines, dealing with problems, participating and contributing in meetings, making presentations, and maintaining personal relationships.

Tips to Manage and Control Anxiety and Work Stress In The Workplace

It’s normal to feel stress at the workplace as it happens to everyone. However, stress that keeps recurring, or that is overwhelming and persistent and interferes with functioning may point to an anxiety disorder. If you find yourself suffering from persistent stress that impairs your daily functioning, here are some of the tips you can employ to keep your life manageable:

1. Work

Besides getting the needed finances, work can boost your self-esteem and add to your social identity.

2. Share Your Problem With A Trusted Coworker

Having someone who knows and understands your problem at the workplace can help reduce any anticipatory anxiety and worries of having a panic attack at work.

3. Learn About Your Problem

Do a research about anxiety and panic attacks and learn to recognize the symptoms of anxiety. This will help you to handle them before they become full blown.

4. Practice Time Management

Prioritize your work and make to-do lists often. Give yourself enough time to complete the needed tasks or projects.

5. Plan and Prepare

Begin performing the major projects early enough and set mini-deadlines for yourself. Try to anticipate problems and try to prevent them from occurring.

6. Be realistic

Don’t promise to perform a project or overcommit if you don’t realistically have ample time to carry out the task.

7. Be open

Open up about your problem in a diplomatic and calm manner if you have too much to handle. If you fail to speak up, how will your supervisor know that you overextended?

8. Ask For Help

Don’t hesitate to ask for any help from your coworkers anytime you feel overwhelmed. You can return the favor later on after you’ve settled.

9. Avoid Negative Minded Coworkers

Try as much as possible to ignore gossip and negativity in your workplace.

10. Savor Success

Celebrate yourself for completing a major project before moving on to the next task. Thank everyone who helped you accomplish your projects.

11. Take Breaks

Taking breaks in between your daily routines can help clear your head. You can take a walk around your workplace compound or take a few minutes of deep breathing.

12. Be Healthy

Have a healthy lifestyle where you get enough sleep, eat healthy, and exercise regularly. Limit alcohol and caffeine. All these habits will keep you mind and body in shape to handle challenging situations.

13. Set Boundaries

Avoid bringing work home with you. If you are at home or on a vacation, stop checking your email every hour. If it’s time to relax, do so.

Getting Help

Getting help and therapy for stress and anxiety disorders is important if these feelings are causing problems in daily life. Get help from a professional therapist. Most people have improved and overcome workplace anxiety by getting therapy for anxiety from a health care professional.

If you need therapy for anxiety and help with stress management you can contact San Francisco Therapist Patricia Hecht, MFT at (415) 813-0404 or through her therapy website.