So much of your life is spent in work or working. If it is the type of environment that you have the type of stress that you enjoy, that helps you feel a sense of accomplishment, that gives you a rewarding feeling or just is working well for you than you are more than likely not going to struggle with a negative effect while you work.

Work stress begins to affect your mental health when the pressure of your job stops being something you experience occasionally and becomes something you carry with you throughout your day, even when you’re not working.

One of the earliest warning signs is that you no longer feel like yourself. You may become more irritable, anxious, emotional or withdrawn. Small problems that you would normally manage easily begin to feel overwhelming. You might find yourself losing patience with colleagues, friends or family.

Your mind may struggle to switch off. You find yourself thinking about work in the evenings, worrying about the following day or replaying difficult conversations. Even when you’re physically away from work, you’re mentally still there. Sleep can suffer, and you may wake feeling anxious or exhausted.

Your body may begin showing signs of stress. Headaches, muscle tension, digestive difficulties, fatigue and a racing heart can accompany prolonged stress. You may feel constantly tired despite resting. However, persistent physical symptoms should also be discussed with your GP rather than automatically attributed to stress.

You may begin losing interest in things you once enjoyed. Socialising feels like an effort, hobbies become less appealing, and time off is spent recovering rather than enjoying life. You might notice that your world is gradually becoming smaller as work consumes more of your emotional energy.

Another important warning sign is a growing sense of dread. Sunday evenings become difficult, Monday mornings bring anxiety, and even ordinary workplace responsibilities can feel threatening. You may begin doubting your abilities or feeling that nothing you do is ever enough.

When prolonged workplace stress leads to exhaustion, increasing mental distance or cynicism towards work, and reduced professional effectiveness, these can be signs of burnout.

How do you know when it’s becoming serious?

Perhaps the most revealing question is:

“Is my work affecting the person I am outside of work?”

If your relationships, sleep, confidence, happiness or physical health are suffering because of your working life, the stress deserves attention.

You don’t have to reach breaking point before asking for help. Speaking with a psychotherapist or counsellor can help you recognise unhealthy patterns, understand the pressures you’re experiencing, establish boundaries and develop healthier ways of managing stress. Sometimes it can also help you recognise that the working environment itself needs to change.

Work should be part of your life, not something that gradually takes away your ability to enjoy it.

And perhaps most importantly, becoming overwhelmed by work is not necessarily a sign that you are unable to cope. Sometimes it is a sign that you have been coping with too much for too long.