A word that jolts her to attention is "workaholism" – and when she hears it, she feels a pang of recognition and panic. The author recounts how she had been working non-stop while pregnant with her child and only stopped when she needed medical attention for an appendix issue. She continued working afterwards, even after experiencing multiple miscarriages and the loss of two babies.
The article explores whether workaholism is an addiction. Many people are unaware that they have a problem, but research suggests that around 10% of Americans may be work addicts. The consequences can be serious: workaholics are more likely to experience anxiety or depression, rely on stimulant drugs, and risk sleep disorders and heart disease.
A woman named Jen attends Workaholics Anonymous (WA) meetings after discovering the word through an episode of Desert Island Discs. She describes her behavior as a physical addiction to work, using adrenaline and cortisol to fuel her productivity. Her therapist explains that healthy enthusiasm for work is different from addiction.
Professor Mark Griffiths, an expert in behavioral addictions, clarifies the difference between workaholism and work addiction. He states that conflict is necessary for addiction and work is not inherently addictive, but rather when it takes over one's life.
The author shares her own experiences with work, describing how she has managed to maintain a balance between her passion for work and other aspects of her life. She reflects on the importance of recognizing when behavior becomes harmful and taking steps to change.
The article explores whether workaholism is an addiction. Many people are unaware that they have a problem, but research suggests that around 10% of Americans may be work addicts. The consequences can be serious: workaholics are more likely to experience anxiety or depression, rely on stimulant drugs, and risk sleep disorders and heart disease.
A woman named Jen attends Workaholics Anonymous (WA) meetings after discovering the word through an episode of Desert Island Discs. She describes her behavior as a physical addiction to work, using adrenaline and cortisol to fuel her productivity. Her therapist explains that healthy enthusiasm for work is different from addiction.
Professor Mark Griffiths, an expert in behavioral addictions, clarifies the difference between workaholism and work addiction. He states that conflict is necessary for addiction and work is not inherently addictive, but rather when it takes over one's life.
The author shares her own experiences with work, describing how she has managed to maintain a balance between her passion for work and other aspects of her life. She reflects on the importance of recognizing when behavior becomes harmful and taking steps to change.
- always putting work first, even when I should be prioritizing my mental health. The part that really resonated with me is how our brains can use adrenaline and cortisol to fuel productivity - it's like we're addicted to that rush, but at what cost? 
But I just can't seem to disconnect.
.
and its not just the americans its prob globally rn
. And honestly, it can be really draining for everyone around them 
. But at the same time, I get it - working hard can give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment 
. It's all about finding that balance between passion and self-care, right? Setting boundaries and prioritizing your mental health is key 
. Maybe we should start calling this workaholism thing an "addiction" to our jobs instead of just "working too much"? 
. Research suggests that this notion may be rooted in unrealistic expectations and a fear of failure 
. It's refreshing to see people like Jen sharing their stories and seeking help through support groups like WA 
. 10% of Americans? That's a lot! And it makes sense, cuz when work becomes everything else, your mental and physical health can go downhill fast. I've seen friends who just can't seem to disconnect from their jobs, even on weekends or holidays, and it's like, they're missing out on life 
. So yeah, recognizing the signs of workaholism is key... for both ur own good and the people around u 
is it possible to have workaholism if ur passionate about ur job tho? feels kinda contradictory
. And honestly, the consequences can be pretty scary - anxiety, depression, sleep disorders... it's not worth it 
.
. It's not always easy, but taking small steps towards balance and self-care can make all the difference. And hey, it's never too late to ask for help or join a support group like WA - we're all in this together! 
. They barely have time for themselves, relationships, or even meals on the go 
. It's scary to think that 10% of Americans might be in this toxic cycle 
. The concept of "work addiction" is super interesting - it's like, can work really be an addiction? 
. It's so important to recognize the signs of burnout 
It's also super helpful to have people around you who encourage you to slow down and enjoy life. Maybe we need to redefine what it means to be "productive" and make time for happiness too? 
I can so relate to this article! I know people who are always "on" at work and it's like they're running on coffee fumes all the time 
. But what's crazy is that some people might not even realize they're doing it, right? Like, I've seen friends get so caught up in their jobs and totally forget about self-care 
. We need to find healthy ways to manage our stress and anxiety, like exercise or meditation, and prioritize our relationships with loved ones 
. We need to start recognizing the warning signs and seeking help before it's too late 
.
People should be careful not to overdo it with their work, it can lead to burnout and affect their relationships and overall well-being. It's great that Jen found support through Workaholics Anonymous and that the author shared her own struggles with recognizing when she needed to make a change 
... it's all about finding that balance and recognizing when you're crossing the line 
anyone else ever felt like they're stuck in a never-ending cycle of work and can't escape? 
It's hard to say for sure, but one thing's for sure - I'm gonna try to find a better balance between my job and life... unless I get really into my work, then forget it 
. And the symptoms... anxiety, depression, sleep disorders... it's all too real for me 
. I've been there, done that, and got the t-shirt (or in my case, the endless coffee cups 
️). But what really gets me is when experts say work isn't inherently addictive, but when it takes over your life... that's a whole different story 
. Like, how do you even recognize when you're crossing into workaholism territory? 
. Anyone else struggled with this stuff? 
, but when it starts to control our lives, that's when things go wrong