Dealing with Ergophobia

Guess I didn’t realize or even think this is/was a thing. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many people have experienced a new fear: ergophobia. The fear of work – or the fear of going to work. 😨

According to a recent Indeed survey, 42% of workers in Canada report feeling anxious about returning to the office. And a study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that the prevalence of ergophobia increased by 50% during the pandemic. 😱

There are a number of reasons why ergophobia is on the rise. For some people, it’s simply a fear of getting sick or spreading the virus to others. For others, it’s a fear of the changes that have taken place in the workplace, such as increased workload, layoffs, or a toxic work environment. 😵‍💫

Whatever the reason, ergophobia can have a devastating impact on your life. It can make it difficult to find a job, keep a job, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. 😥

How to Deal With Ergophobia

💡 If you’re struggling with ergophobia, the good news is that there are things you can do to cope:

💡 Identify your triggers. What are the specific things about work that make you anxious? Once you know what your triggers are, you can start to develop strategies for dealing with them.

💡 Talk to someone you trust. Talking to a friend, family member, therapist, or other trusted person can help you to process your fears and develop a plan for moving forward.

💡 Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. Taking care of your physical and mental health will give you the strength to cope with your fears.

💡 Seek professional help. If your ergophobia is severe or interfering with your daily life, it’s important to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor.

Here are some additional tips that may be helpful:

➡️ Start small. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start by setting small goals for yourself, such as working for one hour without checking social media or attending one meeting without feeling anxious.

➡️ Take breaks. It’s important to take breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Get up and move around or do something that you enjoy.

➡️ Set boundaries. It’s important to set boundaries between your work life and your personal life. This means not checking work emails or messages outside of work hours, and taking time for yourself to relax and recharge.

Remember, you’re not alone. Ergophobia is a common fear, and there are people who can help you to overcome it. With time and effort, you can learn to manage your fears and build a fulfilling career. 🏆

#mentalhealth #cpacareercoach #cpacareers