Why Workplace Mental Health in Calgary Matters
It’s no secret that work can be equal parts rewarding and challenging. On one hand, our career is often a source of pride and purpose (and perhaps even a core part of our identity). On the other hand, however, it can also be a major source of stress. In today’s age, and within Calgary’s ever-evolving workplace landscape, many professionals are struggling to maintain balance. It’s not just deadlines and meetings — local industries can be tumultuous and demanding, while widespread economic uncertainty regularly heightens anxiety.
According to new research by Robert Half which surveyed 1,500 professionals across Canada, 47% report feeling burned out and 31% indicate they are more burned out now than they were the year prior. Similarly, Statistics Canada reports that just over 4.1 million people experience high or very high levels of work-related stress, representing 21.2% of all employed people. What’s more, 2018 research from Morneau Shepell revealed that about 36% of workers in the province of Alberta report a high level of stress — one of the highest rates across Canada. The result? Workplace mental health in Calgary has suffered.
It’s important to acknowledge that unchecked work-related stress affects more than just productivity. Chronic stress frequently spills over into our personal lives, impacting mood, relationships, and physical health – none of which should be dismissed as “just part of the job.” Prioritizing mental health at work isn’t a luxury; it’s an essential ingredient for long-term success and satisfaction.
Top Causes of Job Stress Among Calgary Professionals
For many Calgary workers, professional stress is driven by a number of factors, from local economic trends to workplace cultures and individual aspirations. Take, for example, a common scenario for Calgary residents: when oil prices shift or companies restructure, many local professionals may face uncertainty about their roles, while others must confront the ongoing challenge of maintaining work-life balance in high-pressure positions.
Remote work (which surged during the pandemic and in its wake) may promise flexibility, but many workers report a “blurring of the lines” between personal and professional time, leaving people feeling as though the workday never truly ends. Add to this the rising cost of living and a relentless pace of technological change, and it’s no wonder more employees are searching for effective ways to cope. Recognizing these triggers — rather than simply “toughing them out” — can make all the difference in preventing more serious mental health impacts down the line.
How to Recognize Burnout Early
Burnout might seem like a trendy “buzzword” but it’s far more than that – just as it’s more than an occasional feeling of tiredness or fleeting frustration. Rather, it’s the cumulative, long-term exhaustion that comes from prolonged exposure to stress. It often creeps in quietly, disguised as simple fatigue or moodiness, but can eventually take hold and affect every aspect of someone’s life.
Oftentimes, physical signs emerge first. Perhaps you’ve noticed a constant, throbbing headache, incessant stomach aches, or an unshakeable sense of fatigue – no matter how much you sleep, or how much coffee you drink. Emotionally, what once felt manageable may begin to feel overwhelming, and things that used to bring joy may start to feel like chores. Behaviour might shift, too, with avoidance of colleagues or missed deadlines becoming the norm rather than the exception.
Recognizing these early signs allows professionals to act before stress becomes unmanageable, moving toward healing rather than deeper distress.
Burnout vs. Stress: Understanding the Difference
At first glance, stress and burnout may seem similar, but stress tends to be situation-specific and temporary — perhaps the result of a tough week at work or an unexpected project. On the contrary, burnout is persistent, resistant to quick fixes, and extensively impacts emotional and physical well-being. Understanding this distinction is key in deciding when to seek additional support.
Burnout Recovery: What It Looks Like and How It Happens
Recovery from burnout is a journey, not a sprint. Once individuals recognize their condition, they can begin to navigate the recovery stages: rest, reflection, and reconnection. Taking the time to understand the root causes of burnout — be it workload, workplace dynamics, or personal expectations — is also a key step to recovery, and ensuring burnout isn’t experienced again.
However, burnout recovery is not a one-size-fits-all journey. While some individuals find improvement through lifestyle changes such as:
- Setting Boundaries: Establish clear limits on work hours and personal time to prevent overlap and burnout.
- Pursuing Hobbies: Engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment outside of work.
- Increasing Physical Activity: Regular exercise can boost mood and reduce stress.
Others may require more structured intervention, such as therapy or counselling.
Calgary, in particular, is known for a workplace culture that prizes perseverance. Although encouraging professional resilience can foster a strong work ethic and drive, many individuals suffering from burnout may hesitate to seek help, fearing the stigma associated with it. This instinct to downplay symptoms or always “push through” comes at a cost, as reaching out to a professional or accessing local resources is often the most empowering and impactful step to recovery. Healing is possible, and with the right support, professionals can rediscover a healthy balance, engagement and satisfaction in their careers.
Mental Health Resources Available in Calgary
Calgary is fortunate to host a vibrant network of mental health resources designed to support workers at every stage of their journey. The Distress Centre offers 24/7 confidential support, while numerous community organizations provide education and peer support. Many employers now invest in workforce support programs, making it easier for staff to access guidance discreetly.
At Your Counselling, our experienced team understands the city’s unique challenges and is equipped to help professionals navigate work-related stress and begin their recovery process. For our comprehensive guide to local mental health resources and support networks, click here.
Why Choose Employee Therapy in Calgary from Your Counselling?
What sets Your Counselling apart is our team’s commitment to personalized, knowledgeable care that is – above all – rooted in empathy and respect. Professionals who walk through our doors or log in for a virtual session can expect to work with highly trained, compassionate therapists who listen without judgment and offer evidence-based strategies tailored to workplace realities. Flexible appointment options account for busy schedules, and client confidentiality is prioritized every step of the way.
Through individual sessions, group workshops, and ongoing support, our clinic empowers Calgary’s workforce to thrive, not just survive. Our reputation is built on real-life outcomes — clients rediscovering energy, balance, and a renewed sense of purpose at work.
How Your Counselling Supports Workplace Mental Health in Calgary
The journey to well-being is highly personal, and our detailed, evidence-based support protocols at Your Counselling reflect that. Whether it’s one-on-one therapy targeting job stress, team-based programs to boost collective resilience, or specialized plans for burnout recovery, professionals find a roadmap tailored to their needs. When workplace pressures mount, having a dedicated ally – better yet, an entire team of dedicated allies – can make all the difference.
Simple Tips for Managing Work Stress Every Day
Addressing work stress begins with small, practical steps. If you feel frequently overwhelmed and overworked, try implementing the following daily habits:
- Set boundaries: Log off after work hours
- Practice mindfulness: Deep breathing or guided meditation
- Move your body: Even a 10-minute walk helps
- Reach out: Talk to friends, family, or a colleague
- Prioritize sleep: Quality rest restores your mind
Consistently practicing these habits can make a big difference—but remember, it’s okay to seek extra help when these feel overwhelming.
If these efforts don’t provide relief, take it as a sign to seek additional support and remember, it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.
When to Seek Professional Help for Job Stress
Everyone experiences stress, but when it becomes chronic, begins to impact health, or threatens relationships outside of work, it’s likely time to seek professional support. Warning signs may include, but aren’t limited to:
- Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless sleep.
- Changes in eating habits: Overeating or undereating.
- Increased susceptibility to illness: Frequent colds or infections due to weakened immunity.
- Cynicism and negativity: Becoming critical, detached, and dismissive of work-related matters.
- Irritability and mood swings: Becoming easily agitated, frustrated, or experiencing rapid shifts in mood.
- Social withdrawal: Isolating oneself from colleagues, friends, and family.
- Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to focus, pay attention, or remember things.
- Impaired decision-making: Difficulty making clear and rational decisions.
- Ongoing sadness or anxiety
- Frequent physical symptoms with no clear cause: Panic attacks, headaches, stomach aches and digestive issues.
If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you care about, it’s important to take action. Consulting with a mental health professional can provide the support and guidance needed to navigate these challenges.
Ready to take the first step toward reclaiming your well-being and enhancing your quality of life? Reach out to Your Counselling today.
Final Thoughts on Prioritizing Mental Wellness at Work
Workplace stress is real — but so is recovery. Calgary professionals face unique pressures, but they also have access to a powerful network of resources and a community that cares. Prioritizing mental wellness is not just a professional necessity, but a personal investment in your own fulfillment and future.
Struggling with stress at work? Book a confidential consultation with Your Counselling today.