Understanding
Work-related Stress
Managing workplace pressures, burnout, and finding healthy work-life balance
Understanding
Work-related Stress
Managing workplace pressures, burnout, and finding healthy work-life balance
Understanding
Work-related Stress
Managing workplace pressures, burnout, and finding healthy work-life balance
What does work-related stress feel like?
Living with work-related stress means experiencing persistent anxiety, exhaustion, and pressure that stems directly from workplace demands, creating a constant state of tension that follows you home and affects your personal life. Whether caused by unrealistic deadlines, difficult colleagues, job insecurity, or overwhelming workloads, work stress creates a feeling of being trapped between professional obligations and personal wellbeing.
The experience often involves dreading Monday mornings, lying awake worrying about work problems, and feeling emotionally depleted by workplace conflicts or demands. The impact extends beyond working hours, affecting relationships, sleep quality, and physical health as the boundaries between work and personal life become blurred. Many people describe feeling like they're always "on," unable to truly disconnect from work responsibilities, with physical symptoms like headaches and fatigue combining with emotional symptoms like irritability and cynicism about their job, colleagues, or career prospects.
Common Symptoms
Persistent anxiety or dread about going to work
Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or stomach problems
Difficulty sleeping due to work worries or racing thoughts
Feeling overwhelmed by workload or unrealistic expectations
Increased conflicts with colleagues or family members
Cynicism, irritability, or loss of motivation at work
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions during work hours
Using alcohol, food, or other substances to cope with work stress
What does work-related stress feel like?
Living with work-related stress means experiencing persistent anxiety, exhaustion, and pressure that stems directly from workplace demands, creating a constant state of tension that follows you home and affects your personal life. Whether caused by unrealistic deadlines, difficult colleagues, job insecurity, or overwhelming workloads, work stress creates a feeling of being trapped between professional obligations and personal wellbeing.
The experience often involves dreading Monday mornings, lying awake worrying about work problems, and feeling emotionally depleted by workplace conflicts or demands. The impact extends beyond working hours, affecting relationships, sleep quality, and physical health as the boundaries between work and personal life become blurred. Many people describe feeling like they're always "on," unable to truly disconnect from work responsibilities, with physical symptoms like headaches and fatigue combining with emotional symptoms like irritability and cynicism about their job, colleagues, or career prospects.
Common Symptoms
Persistent anxiety or dread about going to work
Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or stomach problems
Difficulty sleeping due to work worries or racing thoughts
Feeling overwhelmed by workload or unrealistic expectations
Increased conflicts with colleagues or family members
Cynicism, irritability, or loss of motivation at work
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions during work hours
Using alcohol, food, or other substances to cope with work stress
What does work-related stress feel like?
Living with work-related stress means experiencing persistent anxiety, exhaustion, and pressure that stems directly from workplace demands, creating a constant state of tension that follows you home and affects your personal life. Whether caused by unrealistic deadlines, difficult colleagues, job insecurity, or overwhelming workloads, work stress creates a feeling of being trapped between professional obligations and personal wellbeing.
The experience often involves dreading Monday mornings, lying awake worrying about work problems, and feeling emotionally depleted by workplace conflicts or demands. The impact extends beyond working hours, affecting relationships, sleep quality, and physical health as the boundaries between work and personal life become blurred. Many people describe feeling like they're always "on," unable to truly disconnect from work responsibilities, with physical symptoms like headaches and fatigue combining with emotional symptoms like irritability and cynicism about their job, colleagues, or career prospects.
Common Symptoms
Persistent anxiety or dread about going to work
Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or stomach problems
Difficulty sleeping due to work worries or racing thoughts
Feeling overwhelmed by workload or unrealistic expectations
Increased conflicts with colleagues or family members
Cynicism, irritability, or loss of motivation at work
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions during work hours
Using alcohol, food, or other substances to cope with work stress
History of Work-related Stress
From accepted workplace norm to recognised occupational health issue
Early 1900s
Work stress viewed as normal part of employment with little recognition of its impact on health, with dangerous working conditions and long hours considered acceptable aspects of industrial labour
Mid 1900s
Growing awareness of occupational hazards leads to basic workplace safety regulations, though psychological aspects of work stress remain largely unrecognised by employers and healthcare systems
1970s-80s
Research begins identifying work stress as significant health issue, with studies linking job demands, lack of control, and workplace conflict to both mental and physical health problems
Present
Modern understanding recognises work-related stress as major occupational health concern, with legal frameworks requiring employers to consider psychological safety, mental health support, and work-life balance initiatives
History of Work-related Stress
From accepted workplace norm to recognised occupational health issue
Early 1900s
Work stress viewed as normal part of employment with little recognition of its impact on health, with dangerous working conditions and long hours considered acceptable aspects of industrial labour
Mid 1900s
Growing awareness of occupational hazards leads to basic workplace safety regulations, though psychological aspects of work stress remain largely unrecognised by employers and healthcare systems
1970s-80s
Research begins identifying work stress as significant health issue, with studies linking job demands, lack of control, and workplace conflict to both mental and physical health problems
Present
Modern understanding recognises work-related stress as major occupational health concern, with legal frameworks requiring employers to consider psychological safety, mental health support, and work-life balance initiatives
History of Work-related Stress
From accepted workplace norm to recognised occupational health issue
Early 1900s
Work stress viewed as normal part of employment with little recognition of its impact on health, with dangerous working conditions and long hours considered acceptable aspects of industrial labour
Mid 1900s
Growing awareness of occupational hazards leads to basic workplace safety regulations, though psychological aspects of work stress remain largely unrecognised by employers and healthcare systems
1970s-80s
Research begins identifying work stress as significant health issue, with studies linking job demands, lack of control, and workplace conflict to both mental and physical health problems
Present
Modern understanding recognises work-related stress as major occupational health concern, with legal frameworks requiring employers to consider psychological safety, mental health support, and work-life balance initiatives
Take our free self-test
Take our free self-test
Take our free self-test
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Instructions
Answer based on the last 2 weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test screens for social anxiety over the last 2 weeks. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
How therapy can help
Therapy for work-related stress uses approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), stress management training, and assertiveness skills development to help individuals navigate workplace challenges whilst protecting their mental health. Treatment focuses on identifying specific work stressors, developing practical coping strategies, and learning to set healthy boundaries between work and personal life. Therapists help individuals recognise signs of burnout early and develop strategies for managing difficult workplace relationships and unrealistic demands.
Treatment emphasises building resilience, improving time management and prioritisation skills, and developing communication techniques for addressing workplace conflicts constructively. Many people experience significant improvements within weeks of learning work-specific stress management techniques, with benefits including better job performance, improved relationships both at work and home, and reduced risk of burnout or stress-related health problems.
Benefits of Therapy
Learning to set healthy boundaries between work and personal life
Developing strategies for managing difficult colleagues or supervisors
Improving time management and prioritisation skills under pressure
Building resilience against workplace criticism and setbacks
Learning assertiveness techniques for workplace communication
Recognising and preventing early signs of burnout
Developing coping strategies for job insecurity or career uncertainty
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating workplace challenges and maintaining mental health
How do I know if my work stress is normal or something I should address?
Work stress becomes concerning when it regularly interferes with sleep, relationships, or physical health, when you feel constantly overwhelmed despite reasonable effort, or when you experience persistent anxiety about work even during time off. If work stress affects your ability to enjoy life outside work, it's worth addressing professionally.
Can I address work stress without changing jobs or confronting my employer?
Yes, therapy can help you develop personal strategies for managing work stress even when you can't change external circumstances. This includes improving coping skills, setting better boundaries, managing your response to workplace challenges, and building resilience against factors outside your control.
What if my workplace culture doesn't support mental health or work-life balance?
While you can't change workplace culture single-handedly, you can learn to protect your mental health within challenging environments. This involves developing personal boundaries, building support networks, and learning when workplace issues require external intervention or consideration of other opportunities.
Is burnout the same as work stress, or is it something different?
Burnout is severe work-related stress that has progressed to include emotional exhaustion, cynicism about work, and reduced sense of personal accomplishment. While work stress can often be managed with coping strategies, burnout typically requires more intensive intervention and may need significant changes to work situation or extended recovery time.
How therapy can help
Therapy for work-related stress uses approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), stress management training, and assertiveness skills development to help individuals navigate workplace challenges whilst protecting their mental health. Treatment focuses on identifying specific work stressors, developing practical coping strategies, and learning to set healthy boundaries between work and personal life. Therapists help individuals recognise signs of burnout early and develop strategies for managing difficult workplace relationships and unrealistic demands.
Treatment emphasises building resilience, improving time management and prioritisation skills, and developing communication techniques for addressing workplace conflicts constructively. Many people experience significant improvements within weeks of learning work-specific stress management techniques, with benefits including better job performance, improved relationships both at work and home, and reduced risk of burnout or stress-related health problems.
Benefits of Therapy
Learning to set healthy boundaries between work and personal life
Developing strategies for managing difficult colleagues or supervisors
Improving time management and prioritisation skills under pressure
Building resilience against workplace criticism and setbacks
Learning assertiveness techniques for workplace communication
Recognising and preventing early signs of burnout
Developing coping strategies for job insecurity or career uncertainty
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating workplace challenges and maintaining mental health
How do I know if my work stress is normal or something I should address?
Work stress becomes concerning when it regularly interferes with sleep, relationships, or physical health, when you feel constantly overwhelmed despite reasonable effort, or when you experience persistent anxiety about work even during time off. If work stress affects your ability to enjoy life outside work, it's worth addressing professionally.
Can I address work stress without changing jobs or confronting my employer?
Yes, therapy can help you develop personal strategies for managing work stress even when you can't change external circumstances. This includes improving coping skills, setting better boundaries, managing your response to workplace challenges, and building resilience against factors outside your control.
What if my workplace culture doesn't support mental health or work-life balance?
While you can't change workplace culture single-handedly, you can learn to protect your mental health within challenging environments. This involves developing personal boundaries, building support networks, and learning when workplace issues require external intervention or consideration of other opportunities.
Is burnout the same as work stress, or is it something different?
Burnout is severe work-related stress that has progressed to include emotional exhaustion, cynicism about work, and reduced sense of personal accomplishment. While work stress can often be managed with coping strategies, burnout typically requires more intensive intervention and may need significant changes to work situation or extended recovery time.
How therapy can help
Therapy for work-related stress uses approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), stress management training, and assertiveness skills development to help individuals navigate workplace challenges whilst protecting their mental health. Treatment focuses on identifying specific work stressors, developing practical coping strategies, and learning to set healthy boundaries between work and personal life. Therapists help individuals recognise signs of burnout early and develop strategies for managing difficult workplace relationships and unrealistic demands.
Treatment emphasises building resilience, improving time management and prioritisation skills, and developing communication techniques for addressing workplace conflicts constructively. Many people experience significant improvements within weeks of learning work-specific stress management techniques, with benefits including better job performance, improved relationships both at work and home, and reduced risk of burnout or stress-related health problems.
Benefits of Therapy
Learning to set healthy boundaries between work and personal life
Developing strategies for managing difficult colleagues or supervisors
Improving time management and prioritisation skills under pressure
Building resilience against workplace criticism and setbacks
Learning assertiveness techniques for workplace communication
Recognising and preventing early signs of burnout
Developing coping strategies for job insecurity or career uncertainty
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating workplace challenges and maintaining mental health
How do I know if my work stress is normal or something I should address?
Work stress becomes concerning when it regularly interferes with sleep, relationships, or physical health, when you feel constantly overwhelmed despite reasonable effort, or when you experience persistent anxiety about work even during time off. If work stress affects your ability to enjoy life outside work, it's worth addressing professionally.
Can I address work stress without changing jobs or confronting my employer?
Yes, therapy can help you develop personal strategies for managing work stress even when you can't change external circumstances. This includes improving coping skills, setting better boundaries, managing your response to workplace challenges, and building resilience against factors outside your control.
What if my workplace culture doesn't support mental health or work-life balance?
While you can't change workplace culture single-handedly, you can learn to protect your mental health within challenging environments. This involves developing personal boundaries, building support networks, and learning when workplace issues require external intervention or consideration of other opportunities.
Is burnout the same as work stress, or is it something different?
Burnout is severe work-related stress that has progressed to include emotional exhaustion, cynicism about work, and reduced sense of personal accomplishment. While work stress can often be managed with coping strategies, burnout typically requires more intensive intervention and may need significant changes to work situation or extended recovery time.
Meet our Therapists
Meet our Therapists
Meet our specialists who can help guide your recovery
Jayne Tamsett is a BACP accredited counsellor with a BA (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy and over 4,700 clinical hours. She works with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, and relationship challenges. Her practice offers an inclusive and compassionate space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported in their personal growth
More
Adults (18+)
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we are pleased to introduce Grant Fairlie (MBACP), a counsellor with over 1,900 clinical hours and more than three years of practice. Grant brings a background in drama education and specialist experience supporting neurodiverse adults and adolescents.
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Adults (18+)
Introducing Andrea Szentgyorgyi, a UKCP-registered integrative psychotherapist with over 1,000 clinical hours. Andrea combines person-centred, solution-focused therapy with advanced techniques including hypnotherapy and EMDR, creating a tailored and flexible approach for each client. With 6 years of experience, she provides a safe and supportive space to explore challenges and promote lasting emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
Jayne Tamsett is a BACP accredited counsellor with a BA (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy and over 4,700 clinical hours. She works with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, and relationship challenges. Her practice offers an inclusive and compassionate space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported in their personal growth
More
Adults (18+)
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
Jayne Tamsett is a BACP accredited counsellor with a BA (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy and over 4,700 clinical hours. She works with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, and relationship challenges. Her practice offers an inclusive and compassionate space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported in their personal growth
More
Adults (18+)
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)