Women at Work

When Anxiety Interferes with Work

Nov 4, 2024

Michelle Drapkin, a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety, dives deep into the pervasive issue of anxiety at work, especially among women. She separates typical anxiety from serious disorders, offering insights into recognizing the signs. Drapkin shares practical tips for handling overwhelming moments, like waking up anxious or recovering from mistakes. The conversation also highlights the need for supportive workplaces and open discussions about mental health, encouraging leaders to foster empathy and communication.

41:15

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Episode guests

Michelle Drapkin

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Quick takeaways

Women experience anxiety disorders at a higher rate than men, often leading to significant disruptions in their work performance and self-esteem.

Creating a supportive workplace culture around mental health, through open communication and manager understanding, is essential for those struggling with anxiety.

Deep dives

Understanding Anxiety Disorders and Their Impact

Anxiety disorders affect women at a significantly higher rate than men, with many women experiencing symptoms often described as generalized anxiety disorder. These symptoms can manifest in very personal ways, such as losing the ability to perform effectively at work due to overwhelming responsibilities or stress, as highlighted by listeners who shared their experiences. For instance, Mary noted that her anxiety was exacerbated by a sudden increase in her responsibilities after a colleague's departure, leading her to feel inadequate despite her qualifications. Recognizing when anxiety becomes more than just everyday stress is crucial, as untreated anxiety can escalate into serious dysfunction that disrupts personal and professional life.

Intro

5min

Navigating Anxiety in the Workplace

8min

Navigating Anxiety and Gender Bias at Work

6min

Navigating Mistakes and Managing Anxiety in the Workplace

12min

Normalizing Mental Health Days and Supportive Leadership

4min

Managing Anxiety in the Workplace

4min

Navigating Work-Related Anxiety and Finding Calm

4min

Worrying is a fact of life; it comes and goes—usually. But what do you do when it doesn’t go away? And starts to disrupt your work? Women are twice as likely as men to develop an anxiety disorder, which can show up as physical symptoms like dizziness and nausea and as mental symptoms like repetitive and catastrophic thinking. If you’ve been worried for a while, wondering if you should see a therapist, take time off, tell your boss, or even quit your job, clinical psychologist Michelle Drapkin has advice.

She and the Amys discuss the differences between run-of-the-mill anxiety and a disorder. They also get into practical advice, like how to keep yourself from spiraling after a mistake, what to say when you wake up too anxious to do your job that day, and how managers can sensitively approach an employee who appears to need help.

Guest:

Michelle Drapkin is a clinical psychologist and behavioral scientist who specializes in anxiety and panic disorders.

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