Recognise Symptoms of Stress and Overwork

“Stress is what you experience when you believe you cannot cope effectively with a threatening (or challenging situation)”

We work in an industry with the number one reason that causes stress – money, or rather a lack of money. Surveys in New Zealand and overseas constantly find that money issues cause more stress than work, family responsibilities and health issues.

Financial mentors deal with people who usually have money problems and often exhibit signs of stress.  Not only are our clients stressed but we may also face other stressful events in our own lives as we attempt to balance work, family, and relationships.

Workplace stress is defined as:

“the harmful physical and emotional responses when there is conflict between the job demands on the employee, and the amount of control an employee has over meeting these demands.”

Stress presents itself in many ways.  Symptoms may appear in the mind, body, emotions or behaviours of yourself or a colleague.

We need to be aware of stress both in ourselves, in our co-workers and in our clients. Over-stress is now considered to be a leading cause of many mental and health issues.

Common stress symptoms are shown in this diagram:

Common symptoms that can indicate we are feeling stressed include:

• headaches
• sleeplessness
• feeling anxious
• over-working and under-working
• irritability
• drinking, smoking, and overeating.

Stress management is now also covered as a risk that could cause significant harm under the Health and Safety Legislation. Under this legislation it is the responsibility of both the employer and employee to manage such risks.

You can also complete the Stress Management course online to help you recognise and manage stress.