When Work Starts to Take Too Much from You
Work can be rewarding, but it can also become overwhelming. Many women feel the pressure to perform, compete, and progress while balancing personal and family responsibilities. Over time, this can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and a serious impact on mental health.
You might be pushing through each day while feeling exhausted, anxious, or undervalued. You may have noticed changes in your mood, sleep, or ability to concentrate. Workplace stress doesn’t always stay at work — it can spill into home life, relationships, and physical health.
Common Causes of Workplace Stress for Women
- Excessive workload and unrealistic deadlines
- Lack of recognition or progression opportunities
- Job insecurity or organisational changes
- Conflict with colleagues or managers
- Gender-based discrimination or harassment
- Balancing work with family or caring responsibilities
According to the Health and Safety Executive (2023), women report higher levels of work-related stress, depression, and anxiety than men, particularly in roles with high emotional demands.
Signs Your Work is Affecting Your Mental Health
- Feeling tense, on edge, or unable to relax
- Difficulty sleeping or waking up tired
- Loss of motivation or enthusiasm for your role
- Emotional exhaustion or burnout
- Withdrawing from colleagues, friends, or family
How Counselling Can Help
Counselling offers a confidential space to explore what’s happening at work and how it’s affecting you. We can help you:
- Understand the root causes of your stress or burnout
- Develop coping strategies to protect your mental health
- Rebuild confidence and self-esteem
- Explore boundaries and ways to improve work-life balance
- Decide on practical next steps for your career or workplace situation
Our Approach
At Hope Therapy & Counselling Services, we understand the unique pressures women face in the workplace. We provide:
Confidential, practical, and non-judgemental support
UK-based counsellors experienced in workplace and career-related stress
Flexible online, phone, or in-person appointments
A free initial 15-minute consultation
FAQs – Career Pressures and Workplace Stress
Q: Will you tell me to leave my job?
No. Our role is to help you explore your options and make decisions that work for you.
Q: Can counselling help if I can’t change my workload?
Yes. We can work on coping strategies, boundaries, and stress management techniques.
Q: Do you work with clients facing workplace harassment or discrimination?
Yes. We can provide emotional support and help you navigate the impact while you explore practical options.
Q: Is counselling confidential if I talk about my employer?
Yes. Your sessions are completely confidential within professional ethics and safeguarding guidelines.