How To Face Work Pressure To Prevent Prolonged Stress

Illustration of stress and work pressure (Freepic)

JAKARTA - A competitive and fast-paced work environment often causes high pressure. If not overcome properly, this pressure can trigger prolonged stress that has an impact on mental health.

In some cases, uncontrolled stress can even develop into serious conditions such as depression. According to Psychologist Ratih Zulhaqqi, a graduate of the University of Indonesia, pressure on work is not the direct cause of depression.

However, the continued accumulation of stress without proper treatment can be one of the trigger factors.

Stress is part of life, especially in a modern world of work that demands high efficiency and productivity. But depression is a more complex psychological condition, where individuals are usually no longer able to manage the stress they experience," he said as quoted by ANTARA, June 9.

He explained that the main key to staying in a stressful work environment is the ability of stress management and the use of a healthy coping mechanism.

Some of the techniques that can be applied include emotional regulation, directed breathing, mindfulness practices, and getting used to looking at difficult situations from a more positive angle.

No less important, Ratih highlighted the role of social support in the stress recovery process. According to him, the form of support that is fourfold is much more helpful than just clich motivational sentences.

"Some words like 'enembrance yes' sometimes feels empty and actually worsens a person's feelings. It's better to be present with empathy, for example saying, 'I don't know for sure what you're feeling, but I'm here if you need'. That's more reinforcing," he explained.

Early signs of depression are often not realized, but can be recognized through symptoms such as loss of motivation, sleep disorders, reluctance to interact socially, to severe emotional exhaustion. If these things happen, it is important to immediately seek help from professionals.

Visiting a psychologist or psychiatrist is not a form of weakness. In fact, it is a form of courage to take care of yourself, "said Ratih.

The case of the death of an assistant manager of Bank Indonesia who had gone viral on social media recently re-opened the public's eyes about the importance of paying attention to mental health in the work environment.

Although the exact cause of death is still under investigation, the suspicion of work pressure is a warning that stress is not something that can be ignored.