With just over a month to go until the end of 2023, psychologist Tatiane de Sá Manduca evaluates the care needed to protect the mind and the importance of rest.
In the relentless pursuit of success and professional fulfillment, many individuals find themselves caught up in an intense passion for work. While this commitment is often celebrated, it is crucial to address the fine line between the love of the work and the passion that suggests a limitless obsession that is harmful to mental health. This care deserves even greater attention at the end of the year, when there is a certain tendency to accumulate stress and commitments. The endless hours, the intense pursuit of perfection, and the inability to switch off from work are signs of passion; constant worry that affects sleep, the need to always be available, difficulty sleeping and changes in biological rhythm. To give you an idea, from January to July 2023, throughout Brazil, 129,185 benefits were granted for temporary disability (formerly sick pay), due to mental and behavioral disorders (Chapter V of ICD 10); the data are from the National Institute of Social Security – INSS. “Unhealthy passion for work is a silent pandemic affecting professionals across all sectors. The stigma associated with seeking help and the fear of being perceived as less committed often prevents you from seeking support, leaving mental health consequences to escalate silently”, comments clinical psychologist Tatiane de Sa Manduca. ©Julio Rivalta via Canva.com
Warning signs
When work starts to become the center of someone’s life, there are some issues that can arise over time, such as: burnout, anxiety, and depression. These conditions can set in, harming not only the individual, but also the work environment and, by extension, overall productivity. One of the most common consequences is the abandonment of personal and social needs, as well as the inability to disconnect from professional commitments. “These silent signals should not be ignored, as they can develop into more serious mental health problems,” adds Tatiane. The most common case to cite is burnout syndrome. It is characterized by physical, emotional and mental exhaustion resulting from chronic workplace stress and has been officially recognized as an occupational disease by the World Health Organization (WHO) since early 2022. According to research conducted by the International Stress Management Association (ISMA), Brazil is the second country with the highest number of diagnosed cases, surpassed only by Japan, where 70% of the population is affected by this problem. “It’s time to challenge the narrative that ties success solely to extreme dedication. True prosperity is rooted in creating a culture that recognizes the importance of self-care, embraces skill diversity, and fosters a sustainable work environment.” , concludes psychologist Tatiane de Sa Manduca. Therefore, rest from work is vital for mental health, as it offers stress recovery, work-life balance, improves concentration and productivity, prevents burnout, improves sleep quality, stimulates creativity, strengthens relationships personal and, essentially, promotes emotional well-being.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
