Occupational stress has become one of the major public health issues of the twenty-first century. XXIe century. Dr Nilesh Mohabeer, cardiologist at Clinique Bon Pasteur, regularly observes the harmful effects of a toxic work environment on the cardiovascular and mental health of his patients. ZA
The factors involved are manifold: work overload, job insecurity, relational conflicts or a mismatch between the person and the job. Chronic stress then sets in, manifesting itself in fatigue, insomnia, anxiety and even burnout. These conditions can lead to excessive consumption of coffee, tobacco or junk food – all aggravating behaviours.
The medical consequences are serious: high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmias and angina pectoris are pathologies commonly observed in people subjected to prolonged occupational stress. There are also psychosomatic and musculoskeletal disorders, such as pain, stiffness, palpitations and shortness of breath.
There are warning signs: chronic fatigue, irritability, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, back pain, tightness in the chest, etc. “The most important symptom is feeling bad about yourself as soon as you arrive at work. The most important symptom is feeling bad about yourself as soon as you arrive at work. Unfortunately, we often ignore this feeling and think about it when it’s already too late.”
To prevent this from happening, Dr Mohabeer recommends a healthy lifestyle: good organization of time, rest, a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and time to disconnect. He also insists on the need to listen to one’s body, and to consult without delay, in the event of persistent signals. “We need to become aware of what we’re experiencing and disconnect. Or simply change jobs!”
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