There are numerous things that can affect long-term mental health, and an unhappy workplace is just one of them. A lot of people experience various forms of discrimination while at work, which can lead to stress, anxiety, depression and much, much more.
Unfortunately, age discrimination is a relatively common problem that’s often just shoved under the rug. Seeing elderly employees being discriminated against because of their age is far from unusual.
If you do suffer from age discrimination in the workplace, there are two things you need to do:
- Ensure you speak to your manager or the relevant team members about your problems. If they aren’t addressed, seek legal advice.
- Consider speaking with a psychologist or other health professional if you think your long-term mental health is suffering.
All forms of discrimination can cause mental illness, and it’s important to be aware of the early signs. If you notice any of the following, it could definitely be worth seeking treatment.
Regularly Feeling Sad or Under the Weather
One common sign of a growing mental illness is regularly feeling sad or down. If your hormones or the chemicals inside your brain aren’t balanced correctly, you may experience unwanted feelings of sadness, which can leave you drained and out of energy.
The same can be said for unexplained tiredness. Those with growing mental illnesses often have a lot of trouble sleeping, and this can lead to exhaustion which will further impact your health if you don’t deal with it in time.
Suicidal Thoughts
If real suicidal thoughts ever cross your mind, you need to pay serious attention to them. Unfortunately, a lot of people let these thoughts consume them without seeking help, which inevitably causes heartbreak for everyone they were close to.
If you ever have suicidal thoughts, reach out to a mental health professional. Alternatively, take advantage of the numerous government and not-for-profit hotlines available to help.
A Lack of Motivation
If you’re experiencing age discrimination at work and a lack of motivation to catch up with people or engage in general day-to-day activities, you may be suffering from some form of mental illness.
Inability to Cope
If you ever feel like you just can’t cope anymore, make sure you reach out to someone for help. Even if you’re on a very tight budget, there are plenty of people out there who are willing to help for free. Stop suffering alone and take advantage of their help.
Summary
Age discrimination is a huge problem that can directly cause a number of mental health problems. Pay attention to the common symptoms outlined in the article above, and be sure to seek medical advice anytime you feel your mental health is being negatively impacted by your work.
Similarly, make sure you address any problems within your workplace, rather than just waiting for them to solve themselves. Proactive action is always the best. Start by speaking with your boss or employer, and then seek legal advice if necessary.