The therapist warned about the dangers of workaholism

In the pursuit of success and recognition, many people unknowingly fall into the trap of work addiction, sacrificing their health and personal relationships. On June 27, Sergey Martynov, the founder of the International Institute of Psychosomatic Health and a teacher of the CBT course, told Izvestia about the dangers of workaholism.

Modern standards of success, actively broadcast through social media, create the illusion that constant employment and high achievements are the only way to happiness. However, external well-being often hides a serious problem: the inability to switch from work tasks even after hours. Workaholics use professional activity as a way to avoid personal problems, emotional worries, and even basic relaxation.

The key signs of workaholism are obsessive thoughts about work, feelings of guilt when resting, and neglect of personal needs and relationships. Physical manifestations include chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, irritability, and psychosomatic disorders.

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The roots of this addiction, according to the expert, often go back to childhood, where love and attention could be conditioned by success in studies or other activities. In adulthood, such a person continues to prove his worth through work achievements, falling into a vicious circle: the more he works, the more confirmation of his own importance is required.

The expert warned that the consequences of workaholism are serious: from health problems to the destruction of family relationships. Professional burnout is particularly dangerous when even a job you love ceases to be satisfying, but you can no longer give it up.

"Work becomes the only source of communication and interaction, which exacerbates the feeling of isolation. Despite the support of workaholism from management or others, this condition has serious consequences for the person himself. Workaholics can develop bad habits, such as alcohol or drug use, to cope with stress," said Martynov.

He recommended starting the fight against workaholism with awareness of the problem. It is important to learn how to separate work and personal time, allow yourself to rest and restore lost social ties. In difficult cases, you may need the help of a psychologist who will help you identify the underlying causes of addiction and develop a strategy to return to balance.

"Don't be afraid to delegate some of your responsibilities to others, focus on what's going on in your life outside of the work context. Professional psychologists can also help you identify the roots of workaholism and develop a plan to achieve a work—life balance," the specialist suggested.

Earlier, on April 22, it was reported that among the Russians surveyed, almost half (49%) gave priority to Moscow in workaholism — the capital is traditionally associated with a dynamic rhythm of life and high competition. This is stated in the results of a study of the services "Work.<url>" and "Part-time job". St. Petersburg ranks second (25%), Novosibirsk is third (14%).