Stress In The Workplace Essay

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Job Stress
“Whenever we feel stressed out, that’s a signal that our brain is pumping out stress hormones. If sustained over months and years, those hormones can ruin our health and make us a nervous wreck.”- Daniel Goleman
Most people who work in a stressful job situation think of the negative effects it has on them and their performance in the workplace. Daniel Goleman might agree that when stressed out, whether it be in the workplace or in life, stress hormones have a huge effect on us. Psychologists are wondering if stress in the workplace is causing a decrease in health due to stress related issues. What are some ways in which stress affects individuals in the workplace?
Stress is defined as a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in life or work. While everyone is affected by stress at some point in their life, most people don’t realize that there are three different stages of stress. Among these stages are acute, episodic, and chronic.
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While manageable in small doses, acute stress can become associated with depression and anxiety if prolonged (Melchior, 2007). Acute stress in the workplace can be caused by things such as worrying about being late to work or meeting a deadline on time. Another example of acute stress can be seen in service related jobs. Employees often have to deal with unhappy customers, unexpected events or problems that occur. Small daily things that people worry about at work are considered acute stress. Feelings of emotional distress, headaches, and upset stomachs are some symptoms of acute stress in the workplace. Physiological effects for acute stress include adrenaline, or the fight or flight hormone, being released into the body. Adrenaline is responsible for the immediate actions someone does while feeling stress. Additionally, adrenaline gives the body a surge of energy throughout the body when stressed, especially in the

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