Self-employed increasingly prone to anxiety and depression

Psychologists recognise that self-employed people are increasingly experiencing anxiety and depression resulting from the responsibilities they must face on a daily basis. They also offer some tips for dealing with these problems.

Self-employed people and entrepreneurs have “an easier time developing anxiety and depression disorders” than other groups of workers, according to Isabel Aranda, doctor in organisational psychology, psychologist expert in coaching and member of the Board of Directors of the Official College of Psychologists of Madrid. This is due to the particular circumstances that arise from being self-employed, where self-employed people have to deal with economic pressure, high workloads and a significant degree of uncertainty.

The economic and job insecurity that the group has to deal with “is usually higher than in the case of salaried workers,” and in the context of economic slowdown and current inflation that has followed the pandemic, the circumstances for many self-employed workers themselves have worsened, with the consequent wear and tear it has on their mental health. Specifically, “the conditions of employed workers are particularly anxiety-inducing, which facilitates the appearance of mental health problems,” explained Aranda.

As the doctor clarified, there are a series of symptoms that self-employed people can pay attention to “when it is necessary to apply some advice that helps improve our quality of life.” Performing physical exercise, learning to set limits to disconnect or spending time with others who have had the same experience can “be very beneficial tools” with which to combat the first symptoms of anxiety or depression.

What are the symptoms that usually appear in anxiety and depression disorders?

As Aranda explained, “it is easy for these diseases to develop in the group due to the characteristics of self-employment,” although, as she explained, “the fact of maintaining enthusiasm in one’s own personal project can help counteract these anxiety-inducing factors”, which leads to them also developing “greater resilience to face problems.”

Among the main triggering factors for developing these diseases, Aranda pointed out “not knowing how to act if the business stops going well or managing time and workload” as the main ones. These cases can generate, “on a day-to-day basis”, a series of symptoms, which the expert recommends being aware of. In the case of anxiety, Aranda highlighted that it is common for those who suffer from it to feel “that they are not able to manage themselves and their daily tasks,” and, among other common symptoms, she added:

• Having stomach and intestinal problems.
• Sleep problems, whether due to excess or defect.
• Tachycardias.
• Blocks in situations that require action.
• Inability to make decisions and concentrate.
• Nervousness.

In the case of depression, Aranda clarified that it is established from “a minimum of two weeks” in which the self-employed “does not have the will to get out of bed nor does he see themself capable of anything”, that is, they do not have strength or energy to perform basic daily tasks. Also, that they presents a picture of anhedonia, that is, “no enthusiasm, courage or pleasure to carry out any activity.” According to the expert, “it is common for those around the person, more than the person themselves, to realise that something is not right,” since it is not unusual for those who suffer from the disease to “normalise the situation.” in which they are found.” In addition, among the usual symptoms she included:

• Sleeping problems.
• Feelings of helplessness, worthlessness and guilt towards oneself.
• Absence of appetite or excessive appetite for certain foods, such as sugars.
• Irritability and anger.

Practice daily physical exercise or establish limits on work time, among the tips recommended by experts

Aranda highlighted, in addition to health or therapeutic care, implementing healthy lifestyle habits, “since they are what work.” For the self-employed, she recommended:

Practice physical exercise daily, because it generates endorphins, with multiple benefits for the body and mind. “These hormones balance the body and help you think more clearly and feel better.”

Generate routines that help organise daily life and have clearly defined schedules. To help introduce routines, Aranda recommended “creating lists to establish the priorities of the day.”

Related to the above, set time limits to manage workloads and free time in a healthier way. She highlighted “you have to learn to disconnect.” Given that, nowadays, with the mobile connection it is easy to “take work home” it is important to establish “moments of disconnection”.

Spend time with people who have experienced the situation before, or “generate community,” since sharing the experience “can have very good effects,” Aranda clarified.

The post Self-employed increasingly prone to anxiety and depression appeared first on Spain Today – Breaking Spanish News, Sport, and Information.