Anger and Stress in the Workplace -A Therapist's Perspective

In the fast-paced, high-pressure world of any industry, the prevalence of anger and stress is a silent epidemic that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.

The detrimental effects of these intense emotions on individuals in this sector can be profound, leading not only to diminished work performance but to grave consequences such as suicide and early onset of serious health issues like heart attacks.

A study by the American Institute of Stress reveals that work-related stress is a leading cause of anger in the workplace, with financial professionals often bearing the weight of immense responsibilities, tight deadlines, and the constant flux of the market. This chronic stress can trigger intense feelings of anger that, if left unaddressed, can spiral into a detrimental cycle detrimental to personal well-being.

The pressure to perform, meet targets, and manage fluctuating financial markets has created an environment in which emotions can run high, and unchecked anger and stress have become all too common. The unrealistic expectations, coupled with the fear of failure and the constant drive to succeed, create a toxic cocktail that can wreak havoc on mental and physical health.

In the realm of mental health, it is crucial to recognize the signs of anger and stress before they escalate to dangerous levels. Symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating may indicate that an individual is struggling to cope with the demands of their job. As a therapist, it is essential to provide a safe space for individuals to explore these emotions, understand their triggers, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

How can you manage daily stress?

Here’s a tool for you:

The ACT Method

It stands for “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy”.

It’s based on 3 steps:

1. A - Accept

2. C - Choose

3. T - Take action

Let’s see how you can give it a try.

A - Accept

Let’s imagine you’re feeling a bit stressed about a work deadline.

So, find a comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed.

Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths — just to center yourself.

Now bring your attention to your thoughts.

Allow them to be present.

Some thoughts could be:

→  “I'm not good enough”

→  “I'll never get everything done”

→  “Nobody really cares about what I do“

Remember:

→  Don’t judge them.

→  Don’t try to change them.

→  Don’t try to push them away.

The goal here is not cutting off stress.

The goal is just accepting your thoughts.

So you can say to yourself:

→  “These thoughts are just my mind’s way of reacting to stress. It’s okay to feel this way”.

C - Choose

Now it’s time to reflect on what truly matters to you in life.

“what does this mean?"

It just means

→  Take a moment

→  Write down your core values

→  Prioritize them based on what feels most important to you right now.

For example, you might realize that your 3 core values are:

Connection with people

Respect to myself

Health

This way you’ll have a clear map for the next step.

T - Take action

Okay, now we’ve got a list of special values in front of us, right?

Great! But those values are worth nothing without action.

“so?"

So it’s time to create an action plane.

Do this:

→  Think about one small action you can take today to honor each value.

And yes, even if you feel stressed.

For example, based on the previous values, you might:

Reach out to a friend for 15 minutes (“Connection with people”)

Take a relaxing bath for 15 minutes (“Respect to myself”)

Take a 15-minute walk in nature (“Health”)

You just need to make sure your small action is:

→  Achievable (by today)

Realistic (based on your current situation)

→  Aligned with your core values

→  Non-stressful

That’s it.

This is how you can manage daily stress.

Let’s remember: we don’t have to cut stress off completely.

We just need to learn how to respond to it in a smart way.

Now the question is: Are you gonna give it a try?

“Let’s build a more inclusive world by spreading wellbeing globally!”

Furthermore, the alarming statistics linking anger and stress in the financial world to tragic outcomes like suicide and heart attacks underscore the urgent need for proactive interventions.

According to a report by the World Health Organization, individuals working in high-stress environments are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a supportive workplace culture that prioritizes emotional well-being.

By fostering emotional intelligence, promoting open communication, and advocating for mental health awareness, we can begin to shift the narrative surrounding anger and stress in the workplace, ultimately fostering a healthier and more sustainable work environment for all.

In short, the financial world can be a challenging and unforgiving landscape, but with the right support and tools, individuals can learn to channel their anger and manage their stress in constructive ways. Through compassion, understanding, and a commitment to emotional well-being, we can pave the way for a future where mental health is valued as highly as financial success.