Mental health Life issue

Workplace stress

Workplace stress is one of the leading causes of mental health problems and absence from work. Whether driven by workload, relationships, job insecurity, or organisational culture, its effects on health and wellbeing can be significant. CBT, mindfulness, and life coaching offer effective approaches to managing and recovering from workplace stress.

See therapies that may help

What is Workplace stress?

Workplace stress occurs when the demands of work exceed a person's capacity to cope, creating sustained physiological and psychological strain. Contributing factors include excessive workload, lack of control, poor relationships with colleagues or management, job insecurity, unclear roles, and lack of recognition.

While some workplace pressure can be motivating, chronic stress has serious consequences for mental and physical health, including burnout, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, and immune suppression.

Signs and symptoms

Signs of workplace stress include:

Persistent feelings of dread about work
Difficulty sleeping due to work worries
Irritability and mood changes
Physical symptoms such as headaches and gastrointestinal problems
Difficulty concentrating and declining performance
Increasing use of alcohol or other substances to cope
Withdrawal from colleagues
A sense of exhaustion that does not improve with rest

How therapy can help

A range of approaches support workplace stress management and recovery:

CBT — highly effective for addressing cognitive patterns and coping strategies that influence how stressors are experienced
Mindfulness — strong evidence for workplace wellbeing, building stress regulation and reducing reactivity
Life coaching — addresses practical dimensions including assertiveness, boundary-setting, and workload management
Counselling and psychotherapy — provide deeper support for those significantly affected
Physiotherapy, yoga, and massage — support the physical toll of chronic stress

Seeking help

Workplace stress that is significantly affecting health, relationships, or functioning warrants professional support. A GP can provide a sick note if needed and refer to occupational health.

Many organisations have employee assistance programmes providing confidential counselling. If harassment, discrimination, or other serious issues are involved, HR or employment law advice may also be relevant.

Therapies that may help with Workplace stress

Therapy	Evidence	Notes
Cognitive Behavioural Therapist	strong	Core use for workplace stress.
Counsellor	strong	Core use for workplace stress.
Mindfulness Practitioner	strong	Core use for workplace stress.
Psychotherapist	strong	Core use for workplace stress.
EMDR Practitioner	strong	EMDR for workplace trauma and stress.
Hypnotherapist	moderate	Commonly used for workplace stress.
ISTDP Practitioner	strong	ISTDP for workplace stress.
Life Coach	strong	Life coaching for workplace stress.
Alexander Technique Practitioner	limited	Helps some people manage stress-related posture/tension patterns.
Arts Therapist	moderate	Arts therapy for workplace stress.
Autogenic Training Practitioner	moderate	Autogenic training for workplace stress.
Biofeedback Practitioner	moderate	Biofeedback for workplace stress.
EFT Practitioner	moderate	EFT for workplace stress.
Havening Techniques Practitioner	moderate	Havening for workplace stress.
Mantra Meditation	moderate	Mantra meditation for workplace stress.
Meditation Practitioner	moderate	Meditation for workplace stress.
NLP Practitioner	moderate	NLP for workplace stress.
Psy-Tap Practitioner	moderate	Psy TaP for workplace stress.
Psych-K Practitioner	moderate	PsychK for workplace stress.
Qigong Healing Therapist	moderate	Qigong for workplace stress.
Tension and Trauma Practitioner	moderate	TRE for workplace stress.
Yoga Therapist	moderate	Yoga for workplace stress.
Indian Head Masseuse	limited	Used for workplace stress.
Nutritional Therapist	limited	Nutritional support for workplace stress.

Frequently asked questions

Is workplace stress a mental health condition?

Stress itself is not a diagnosis, but sustained workplace stress can lead to anxiety disorders, depression, or burnout, which are recognised mental health conditions warranting treatment.

Should I tell my employer I am struggling?

This is a personal decision. You have legal protections but disclosure can feel risky. Occupational health services, if available, are a confidential route.

What is burnout and how is it different from stress?

Burnout is a state of chronic exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced efficacy resulting from sustained workplace stress. It requires rest and recovery as well as therapeutic support.

Find a therapist for Workplace stress

Connect with a qualified therapist who has experience helping people with workplace stress.

Find a therapist