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If you are experiencing stress at work, you are not alone. According to the 2013 Work Stress Survey, more than 80% of employed Americans report feeling stressed out at work. Some of the most common sources of work stress include poor work-life balance, having an unreasonable workload, difficulty with coworkers, and low pay, among others. Though a moderate level of stress may be tolerable, heightened levels can often feel overwhelming and cause significant distress. In addition to having potential negative effects on work productivity, relationships, and quality of life, work stress can also contribute to symptoms of anxiety and depression. Moreover, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on one’s physical health. Fortunately, CBT for work stress, as well as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), are very effective.
How can therapy help?
Fortunately, a number of treatments are available for work stress and related issues. CBT for work stress has shown to be effective for tackling symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress by helping people look at how their thoughts and behaviors might be contributing to their distress and difficulties. This type of therapy uses strategies to help people adjust their thoughts and behaviors so that stress becomes more manageable. Mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies can also be highly effective for improving concentration and reducing stress. These treatments focus on increasing awareness of the present moment and reducing the struggle with things that are outside of our control.
Treatments Available
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR).
-Carolyn Davies, M.A.
Graduate Student, UCLA
More info about DBT California here.
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