Some estimate that as much as 30% of the US population struggle with workaholism.
We have all said it before. Maybe we are that person.
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.
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?
Your leisure activities are a façade for work-related activities:
“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:
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.
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.
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Call Today 1-877-866-8661“ Honestly the Bridge taught me something I already knew but had to remember. I am so damn special, valid, and important. Everyone in my life saw it, but me. The Bridge just showed me how to look in the mirror to see for myself. ”
- Jewel, Alumnus
