Mental Health Is A Leading Cause For Why People Are Quitting Their JobsHeres What You Need To Do Now – Forbes

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The results of a recent study showed that 50% of Millennials and 75% of Gen-Zers quit a job due to issues related to mental health. According to the report conducted by Mind Share Partners, Qualtrics and SAP, burnout, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts have been increasing at an alarming rate in recent years among Millennials and Gen-Zers. While this study focuses on these two generations in particular, mental health issues affect all types of people.

Unrelenting stress and anxiety makes you feel tired, empty, weak, dejected, incapable and unsuccessful. In our society, if someone breaks their leg skiing, the person will regale their audience with tales of adventure about how it happened. Everyone will offer their best wishes for a speedy recovery and check in with the injured person every so often. However, when it comes to mental health matters, theres a discomfort and reticence to discuss the subject. There is an underlying shame when talking about depression, burnout, anxiety and related matters. This exacerbates the situation, making the person feel even more alone with no one to turn to.

Work-related burnout, according to professionals, is very common and results from long-term, unresolvable stress on the job. Burnout, in laymans terms, is when youre emotionally and physically drained, disillusioned and exhausted.

It's not surprising that mental health issues are becoming a big challenge for Millennials and Gen-Zers. They are faced with thousands of dollars in student loan debt obligations that will be hard to pay back when the job market is saturated with other similarly situated college graduates. This is particularly a problem for those who elected to major in studies that dont yield reasonably paying salaries post graduation. Saddled with debt, it becomes financially challenging to get married, purchase a home and raise children. Their situation seems less attractive to their parents lifestyles and wealth status.

We are bombarded by unrelenting negative news. Were told by experts that climate change will end the world in 12 years if we dont make radical changes. Our political leaders engage in fighting and name callinginstead of trying to make things better. Geopolitical tensions run high. For some generations, weve been involved in unending wars for almost the entire duration of their lives.

Feelings of burnout impact all generations and employees at every level in the workforce. When people look for a job, at any age, it's often because they are feeling burnt out at their current job. Job seekers complain of long hours, unrealistic expectations from their bosses, the pressure to be plugged into technology and available nights and weekends, stuck in their jobs without any upward mobility and not realizing the monetary rewards for all their hard work and efforts. As corporations have done away with pension plans, employees worry over how they will ever retire. In light of the fast-moving trends, such as globalization and automation, workers stress about keeping their current job, staying relevant and how theyll cope in a new and different kind of economy and job market.

You should assess your situation. Is is difficult to wake up in the morning? Are you motivated to go into work? Do you find meaning in your career? Are you constantly feeling irritated, annoyed and angry? Is your boss a bully? Do you get sick often? How is your energy level? Have you noticed that youve become short-tempered and tend to snap at people? Are you feeling resentful, lost or despondent?

If you have some, all or similar feelings, you may need to speak with a professional and loved one. It may be time to fight to take back your life. You need to gain control over your career. Write an action plan to improve your job. Create a career strategy to advance. Start building a rewarding and meaningful work-life. This may be in the form of asserting yourself at the office by sharing your feelings with your manager. You could also set boundaries with co-workers. Learn to say no at times to preserve your time and energy.

Try making adjustments to your mindset. Think of yourself in a temporary position, which will soon change for the better. Think positively that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Youre only in a bad situation for the near term, but you will make changes that will soon help you achieve long-term success.

Dont worry about being perfect and what others think. Delegate tasks and ask for help when you need it. Take a mental health day off every so often. Go away on a vacation. Be open and honest with your feelings to people you love and trust. Seek out a new job that will make you feel empowered and fulfilled.

By acknowledging that you have some type of burnout or other mental health challenges, then enacting proactive measures, you will improve your career, work and home life. It will get you on the right track toward personal and professional growth, happiness and career success.

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Mental Health Is A Leading Cause For Why People Are Quitting Their JobsHeres What You Need To Do Now - Forbes