Common misconceptions around stress at work

Before we begin this article, we must remove some of the common misconceptions about stress.

• Stress is not a ‘REAL’ issue  – it can be a real issue.
• Stress motivates people – a certain amount of pressure can be a positive motivator, but everyone responds differently and feeling stressed can be a negative experience.
• Stress is experienced the same by everyone – there are several factors which mean we all feel and experience stress differently due to scenario and identity.
• Stress only affects “weak” people – everyone and anyone can be impacted by stress, we shouldn’t compare or contrast.

What is stress?

Stress is defined as a state of mental or emotional strain caused by adverse circumstances. At one point or another, most people deal with feelings of stress. In fact, one study found that 33% of adults reported experiencing high levels of perceived stress, which equates to 11 million days taken off work each year due to stress in the UK.

Stress is a normal part of life. Even positive life changes such as a promotion, a mortgage, or the birth of a child produce stress. But when stress interferes with our lives, it becomes a problem. Too much stress, for too long, can make us ill.

If unaddressed, stress can cause mental illness like depression, anxiety, self-harm, or physical illness, or it can worsen existing problems. A traumatic period of stress might lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What are the different types of stress?

Eustress

If the idea of positive stress is new to you, you’re not alone. Most of us equate all stress with negative experiences. Clinical psychiatrists say we rarely think of stress as a positive thing, but eustress is just that — positive stress. Eustress is usually a product of nerves, which can be brought on when faced with a fun challenge which can keep us motivated.

Distress

In terms of opposites, distress and eustress are on either end of the spectrum. Unlike eustress, distress can make you feel overwhelmed because your resources (physically, mentally, emotionally) are inadequate to meet the demands you’re facing. Licensed professional counsellor Casey Lee, MA, says this type of negative stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and a decrease in performance.

Image : Distress spectrum visualised

Minority Stress

Minority stress refers to the way that individuals from underrepresented groups experience a number of stressors that directly relate to their minority identity. The first research in 1995, centred around gay men and it was found to be experience through:

1. Internalised homophobia, which is essentially discriminatory beliefs directed at one’s self for one’s homosexuality.
2. Expectations of rejection and discrimination
3. Experiences of discrimination

As the minority stress model states, being part of a minority or stigmatised group can be stressful even when people do not experience any explicit bias. Simply expecting to experience such behaviours can cause physical and mental health stress.

If you’re experiencing one or more of the stresses listed above, or your colleague is, here are a few signs to look out for:

• Irritable, angry, impatient or wound up
• Over-burdened or overwhelmed
• Anxious, nervous or afraid
• Difficulty breathing
• Sleep Problems
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches and headaches
• Chest pains and high blood pressure

Since, we’re Inclusive Employers, it would only be relevant to talk about this conversation in direct relation to the workplace.