Work-Performance Anxiety -- When “Over-Analysis Causes Paralysis”

Work-Performance Anxiety can be experienced by anyone, from those with entry-level positions to corporate presidents and can have extremely detrimental effects on a person’s mental and physical well-being.  

Some physical symptoms often reported by those with Work-Performance Anxiety include:

• Sleep disturbance and fatigue
• Panic attacks and crying
• Changes in weight
• Trembling, sweating and jitteriness
• Racing and pounding heart
• General reduced health

In the workplace, this type of anxiety could translate into difficulty concentrating, fear of working with colleagues and clients or of speaking publicly, and turning down assignments or opportunities because of fear of failure.

The effects of Work-Performance Anxiety often reach far beyond the office or school.  Marital and family distress is reported routinely, as is social strife and engaging in excessive, dangerous behaviors to compensate for one’s distress.  Symptoms eventually become apparent and employers may begin to wonder if you were the right person for the position…and you may even start to wonder yourself. (!)

People suffering from anxiety are 3-5 times more likely to go to the doctor, and according to the Mayo Clinic, those who suffer from anxiety are 6 times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric ailments.

It is crucial to get control of your anxiety before it takes over your life – psychotherapy is the way to accomplish this.  Life is simply too short for this emotional distress!

If you are experiencing anxiety related to your career and would like to learn how to deal effectively with the circumstances you face, click here to schedule an appointment.