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There are around 55 million employees in industries that the U.S. government deemed to be essential. Now, years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, almost every essential worker is reporting mental health issues. The stress of their jobs and the expectations the government placed on them were simply too much.
Their jobs have spiraled into a nightmarish routine of being overworked and underpaid. Many make less than an average retail worker now, and their high-stress jobs have pushed them to the limit. Many are considering leaving their professions as a result.
It’s hard to find peace during times like these. But it’s not impossible. Keep reading below to learn more about how to stay mentally well as an essential worker.
Being an Essential Worker Comes With Anxiety and Depression
Essential workers were once celebrated in the U.S. and across the world. For a brief moment in history, people realized how much the world economy depends on average people. They realized rich people at the top of the food chain are actually powerless.
Then, for some reason, it all stopped and now essential workers are left with crippling mental health issues. They are overworked, creating a kind of existential fatigue that seeps into their personal lives. And being underpaid causes intense anxiety when it comes to paying bills.
At this point of the COVID-19 pandemic, the reality is clear. Being an essential worker effectively comes with depression and anxiety. The only people who will understand are other workers who speak up and write their thoughts, like this article.
Worker Anger Is Valid and Righteous
Depression and anxiety don’t always manifest as moodiness and lethargy. Sometimes, it comes out as anger and fury. People who feel this way may be confused about their feelings and try to stifle them, so they don’t risk their jobs or make others feel uncomfortable.
However, their anger is just as valid as any other emotion they could be feeling. The last few years have been an intense test of spirit on essential workers. Employers handed them unfair situations, from challenging work schedules to worse pay.
The natural response to injustice is anger. Essential workers should let themselves be angry, instead of trying to hide it. By embracing emotions like it, essential workers can even help create change.
Staying Active Can Help Reduce Anxiety
Of course, many essential workers are not interested in creating change. They just want to get through the workday and create wellness in the workplace. One of the best ways to do that is by staying active.
Finding the motivation to get off the couch and go or a run, especially after a long day, can seem impossible. But once they get started, most people start to feel relief. They can channel all the frustration from the day into movement.
And with the wind in their hair and a wide-open trail before them, essential workers may even feel free. It can be relaxing, and they may feel more comfortable at home after some good exercise. Physical health can easily translate into mental health, no matter how many challenges workers face.
Workers Need to Take Care of Themselves
The COVID-19 pandemic has proven one thing for all kinds of essential worker. They are the only ones they can count on. Their employers and their country have failed them at almost every turn, and now they are left with mental anguish.
The first step to taking back control of their lives is to recover from the trauma of the past few years. That means taking time for themselves and doing things they enjoy, instead of thinking about other problems. And to learn more tips about how to relax, just keep reading our website.
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