Mental Health Awareness

Occupational Stress Injury (OSI)

Occupational stress refers to stress related to one’s job. It can be related to added responsibilities or workload without corresponding supports, role conflict, and working hour changes. In more extreme cases, it can be related to harassment, bullying, and a toxic work environment.

An occupational stress injury occurs when mild stressors have reached a crisis point.

Signs and Symptoms of OSI

The signs and symptoms of OSI are:

• Disruption in sleep patterns and fatigue
• Irritability
• Lack of interest in food
• Anxiety or panic, particularly relating to work
• Lack of interest in work
• Increased risk-taking at work
• Isolation from co-workers
• Aggressive behaviour

Steps to Care for OSI

As with many first aid situations, the best care is prevention. If you recognize some of the symptoms listed above, examine ways to reduce the occupational stressors in your life.

• Make use of available vacation and mental health days
• Set aside time each day and each week for personal interests (even 15 minutes a day can help)
• Talk with family and friends about your struggles at work
• Strive to get more sleep
• Regular exercise
• Eat well and avoid skipping meals
• Leave work at work. Home is for family and personal time

If you recognize that a co-worker may be facing an occupational stress injury, employ the steps of TEMA, engage human resources, an ombudsperson, or governmental agencies if needed (e.g., Ministry of Labour).