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Workaholism

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Some estimate that as much as 30% of the US population struggle with workaholism.

A Buzzword that Works

We have all said it before.  Maybe we are that person. 

Workaholism
Workaholism

Workaholic

It is a word that is widely used, even sometimes with pride and admiration.  Some call it the type-A personality, some claim they want employees who are workaholics, and some work to become the sought-after workaholic.

While the manual used for clinical diagnosis (the DSM-5) does not yet recognize it as a condition, it does go on to mention it under the Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder category, referring to an excessive devotion to work leading to the exclusion of family and leisure activities. 

When Work Becomes a Problem

While being an efficient, productive, and results-producing worker is important to both personal success and that of your employer, experiencing the symptoms of workaholism can be detrimental to your emotional wellbeing.

What does workaholism look like?

  • Feeling like you are never productive enough.
  • Wanting to be the hardest working, most devoted, best employee as a competition rather than a standard of performance.
  • Not scheduling non-work time into your day.
  • An inability to part with work connections, such as cell phone and/or email, which can cause a physical anxiety-related reaction.
  • Your free time is spent thinking about work.
  • Your friends and family are impacted by your devotion to work over the intimate connections necessary to maintain relationships.
  • Your identity only comes from who you are at work.
  • You hide or lie about the amount of time spent at work.

Your leisure activities are a façade for work-related activities:

  • “I’m having dinner out with friends.”
  • Actually Means: “I’m hosting a dinner for colleagues and clients.”
  • “I’m playing tennis today at the club.”
  • Actually Means: “My boss invited me to play tennis.”
  • Content and media that you consume or engage in are work related, or geared toward “the hustler.”
  • Work becomes an escape from other things in life.
Workaholism

Workaholism & Trauma

“You know what, I’m just going to work late tonight!”

If conflict arises and you end the confrontation with that, it may be time to really do some inward observation of why work has become your escape.

At The Bridge to Recovery, workaholism is a very common issue that our clients self-report as one of the reasons they are seeking help.  Often, workaholism goes hand-in-hand with:

  • Perfectionism
  • Control
  • Self-Esteem Issues
  • Anxiety
  • Feelings of Never Good Enough 
  • Relationship Struggles

If you have had the chance to jump around on this website, you have probably seen our trauma tree and the many symptoms that come from unresolved and underlying trauma. Workaholism is certainly one of those symptoms. 

By understanding trauma, you can begin to see the connection.  Trauma, or more simply painful events in one’s life, is the catalyst. 

When to Seek Help

  • If you are unhappy, it is time to seek help.
  • If your relationships are suffering, it is time to seek help.
  • If you are constantly in escape mode, it is time to seek help.

Unfortunately, we see many clients in our program who wait until their problems are so compounded that they are often on the verge of a major life event, such as job loss or divorce.  

Recognizing that these behaviors will catch up to you and will have catastrophic outcomes on your life is important.  Do not wait until your life is in shambles.  Healing is possible.  Happiness is possible.  Call us today to learn more about how we can help.

Just 45 minutes north from Nashville, Tennessee sits our healing refuge.

Hidden away on 115 acres of rolling Kentucky hills.

Call Today 1-877-866-8661
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Bowling Green, KY 42101
United States


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About The Bridge To Recovery
The Bridge to Recovery is a transformational residential program located 45 minutes north of Nashville, Tennessee in beautiful rural Kentucky.  We provide hope, healing, and happiness to those suffering.
The Bridge to Recovery is a proud supporter of NAATP. 
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