Mental health isn’t something you switch off when you step into work. If anything, the workplace can be where it’s tested the most. In this article, we’ll explore how mental health shows up in the workplace, why it matters, and practical ways both employees and employers can create a healthier space to thrive emotionally and professionally.
Mental Health at Work: Endure or Exit?
Before, people left jobs for obvious reason such as relocation, better offers, family changes. Now, a whiff of toxicity, and they're out.
A slightly raised voice in a meeting, a poorly worded email, constant micromanaging, or the overwhelming feeling of being undervalued, these are enough reasons for someone to tender a resignation or quietly disengage. It's no longer about "better pay"; it's about "better peace".
There are many schools of thought on whether it’s wise to leave a workplace because of how it affects your mental well-being. Some say it's exaggerated “Your boss yells? So what?” Others argue it’s a red flag that shouldn't be ignored.
What do you do when your job offers nothing but money, no room for professional growth, no learning, no direction? Or your boss constantly shouts at you, humiliates you in front of colleagues, emotionally assaults you in ways that chip away at your self-worth?
Some would say, “Stay! At least you’re getting paid.”
Others say, “Go. No amount of money is worth your peace of mind.”
The first school of thought usually comes from millennials or older people who believe they’ve "seen it all.” They've weathered tough bosses, difficult clients, unpaid overtime, and they survived. For them, a job that pays the bills is better than no job at all. “You don’t have to like it; just do it,” they say.
Then, there's the young ones (some countries call them Gen Z), the generation that’s often accused of being “soft,” entitled, or too idealistic. They’re often the ones asking deeper questions:
- Am I growing here?
- Am I respected here?
- Does this job value my mental and emotional health?
They’re not afraid to leave if the answers are “no.”
Which school of thought do you belong to?
Mental Health is Everywhere – Even at Work
Whether you’re on a construction site, in an office, or behind a screen working remotely, one truth remains: You don’t keep your emotions somewhere while you work.
You carry your mind, emotions, and psychological state with you wherever you go – school, work, market, church, or social gatherings. That’s why mental health should not be boxed into therapy rooms or crises alone.
An average working adult spends at least eight hours daily at their workplace. That’s a third of their day, more time than they spend with loved ones. These eight hours are enough to either build or break your mental health, especially if spent in a draining, disrespectful, or dismissive environment.
Let’s not pretend it’s just “in your head.” Workplace experiences can trigger real mental health conditions. Constant stress from impossible deadlines, passive-aggressive feedback, or feeling undervalued can lead to anxiety, burnout, or even depression. Some people wake up dreading the thought of logging in or stepping into the office, not because they’re lazy or unmotivated, but because the environment chips away at their confidence daily.
And the reality is people don’t leave the damage at the office. They carry it home to their relationships, children, personal projects, and even their health. A bad work culture seeps into every other area of life, often unnoticed, until the signs are too loud to ignore.
No Workplace is Perfect, But Some Are Healthier.
Truly, there’s no perfect workplace, and certainly no perfect boss. Even as a business owner, your clients can stress you to the point of tears.
A single email from a dissatisfied customer can ruin your day. So yes, mental health struggles aren’t exclusive to employees. They touch everyone.
But while perfection isn’t realistic, psychological safety, respect, communication and boundaries are.
You don’t need a perfect environment, but one that doesn’t suffocate your spirit.
Why Mental Health Should Be a Priority at Work
Mental health isn’t a luxury. It’s not something you address when things get “bad enough.” It should be baked into the culture of every organization.
- A mentally healthy employee is a productive employee. Stress and burnout lead to absenteeism and low output.
- High turnover costs money. People don’t quit jobs; they quit toxic cultures.
- People matter beyond their job titles. No one should have to trade their mental well-being for a paycheck.
How Do You Protect Your Mental Health at Work?
- Set boundaries. Know when to pause and when to push. Every season requires a different pace, listen to what your body is telling you. Productivity thrives where there’s room for rest and clarity.
- Don’t take everything personally. People come from different backgrounds. Not every tone is about you.
- Speak up respectfully when something feels off. Advocating for yourself isn’t rebellion. There are organizations that encourage their employee to communicate.
- Find a support system. A colleague, a mentor, or even a therapist.
- Protect your peace. If it’s costing you your mind, it might be too expensive.
Employers, It’s Your Responsibility Too
Mental health in the workplace isn’t just an employee issue. It’s a leadership issue too.
- Beyond fat salaries and annual bonuses, what structures exist to support your team’s mental wellness?
- Do you have open-door policies?
- Are your managers trained to lead with empathy?
- Do you provide resources for stress management or wellness programs?
You can't demand excellence in output and ignore the mental state of the people producing it. That’s unsustainable.
Some organizations are starting to understand the importance of mental well-being and are offering employees access to group therapy as part of their wellness programs.
These sessions help create a supportive space where employees can connect, share, and feel heard.
For companies that haven’t yet put this in place, platforms like Tranqbay are stepping in, offering accessible online and physical group therapy to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges they face at work.
Conclusion
Work doesn’t have to be a battlefield. It should challenge you, yes but not traumatize you or contribute to other mental health issues.
It should stretch you, but not shatter you.
Mental health isn’t a side issue. It’s the main issue because no one can show up fully where they’re emotionally starved or psychologically unsafe.
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to wait for a workplace program or policy to take charge of their mental health.
Taking the step toward therapy, whether through counseling or support groups can significantly improve your overall well-being and productivity at work.
You can go ahead and book a session with an expert.