Many people may not be fully aware of the ramifications of a work addiction, including how it impacts a struggling individual physically, mentally, emotional, psychologically, socially, and more.
Because a work addiction is often masked by success in the workforce or a commitment to career, it can often go by unnoticed until adverse consequences are in full effect.
However, awareness of the potential physical complication related to a work addiction may help a person or loved one identify the first signs and symptoms of this disorder, allowing a person to seek out early intervention and treatment if possible.
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Job Over All Other Responsibilities
Individuals who struggle with an addiction to work may seem put together at the surface and simply dedicated to their job and career.
If you look closely though, a person dealing with a work addiction may exhibit signs and symptoms, perhaps more obvious in their physical health and wellness.
Those who are addicted to their work will usually prioritize their job and career over other important responsibilities and obligations, particularly their own self-care and health.
This might manifest as sleep deprivation, over-tiredness, fatigue, and lack of energy, mood swings, and more.
Other physical complications related to a work addiction can include frequent illness related to high stress levels and lack of sleep.
Individuals who are chronically sleep deprived and encountering high stress levels on a daily basis will have suppressed immunity and will be more likely to develop sickness, even something as simple as the common cold.
A person who does not take appropriate time off from work to care for themselves when sick or ill may also be a reflection of a work addiction.
Underlying mental illness and behavioral issues can certainly interplay with a work addiction and manifest through physical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle pain, body pain, insomnia, gastrointestinal issues (such as unexplained nausea) and more.
If any such symptoms are being experienced in addiction to other factors that might reveal a work addiction, it is important to seek out professional help and treatment.
If you or a loved one has been suffering with the physical symptoms of a work addiction, be sure to connect to support to help protect your health and keep your wellness a priority.
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on January 28, 2016
Published on AddictionHope.com