Can You Be Addicted to Work?
When we use the word “workaholic,” to describe ourselves, we usually mean that we are working hard, and sometimes we even use the term with a feeling of pride. However, like all the addictions on this list, it’s possible to take work too far. In our society, which encourages and rewards workaholics, it’s difficult to identify when someone is addicted to work, as opposed to doing what they need to do to keep their job or be successful.
There are some factors and symptoms to distinguish between a workaholic, and a successful, responsible employee.
- A workaholic has a striking lack of balance in their life, and they give themselves little time to develop and enjoy their personal relationships.
- Workaholics also put self-care low on their priority list, often ignoring health problems until they are debilitating (or until it is too late to act).
- Workaholics are task and deadline focused, feeling the most energized when in the middle of a project, or when moving from one project to another.
- Workaholics use work to escape from problems and difficult feelings in their life.
- Workaholics often lose awareness of their own desire and needs, forgetting what they love about life.
Workaholics often make work a priority over their friends and family, an action that can jeopardize their relationships and leave them all alone.
If you or someone you know suffer for any of these or other addictions, then don’t be afraid to seek the help of a mental health counsellor near you. With support, you can overcome your addiction.
