Photo Credit: SeventyFour
Work-related stress remains one of the most overlooked mental health challenges in modern workplaces.
Long hours, unrealistic targets, toxic supervision and job insecurity often leave employees emotionally drained. If not addressed early, such pressure can trigger anxiety, depression, burnout and in extreme cases, self-destructive behavior.
Mental health professionals warn that recognizing early signs and seeking help is critical before the strain spirals out of control.
For Steve, a mid-level officer working at a government parastatal in Nairobi’s Central Business District, the pressure quietly built over time.
At first, it was subtle. A sharp email from his supervisor here. A public reprimand during a departmental meeting there. But gradually, the tension intensified.
His boss, known for abrupt outbursts and unrealistic expectations, constantly questioned his competence. Deadlines were shortened without explanation. Requests for clarification were interpreted as incompetence.
Steve began dreading Monday mornings.
“I would wake up exhausted even after a full night’s sleep. I started questioning my own ability. I felt like I was constantly walking on eggshells," Steve told this publication.
The once-confident professional found himself withdrawing from colleagues. He avoided lunch breaks and social interactions.
His productivity declined, not because he lacked skill, but because anxiety clouded his concentration. He would reread simple emails multiple times, afraid of making mistakes that might trigger another confrontation.
The emotional toll soon extended beyond the office walls. At home, Steve became irritable and distant.
He struggled to explain to his family what he was going through, partly because he feared being perceived as weak. Like many professionals, he had grown up believing that endurance was the only solution to workplace pressure.
But one evening, after experiencing a panic episode while preparing a report, he realized something had to change.
“I felt like I was losing myself,” he says. “That’s when I knew I needed help.”
Steve sought professional counseling. The sessions helped him understand workplace bullying dynamics and the psychological impact of prolonged stress.
He learned coping strategies, including boundary setting, stress management techniques and documentation of hostile interactions.
Therapy also helped him rebuild his confidence. Rather than internalizing the criticism, he began separating his identity from his supervisor’s behavior.
Over time, he initiated structured conversations with human resource officers and explored internal transfer options.
Today, Steve says he is in a healthier mental space. While workplace challenges remain, he has developed tools to manage pressure without sacrificing his wellbeing.
In high-pressure urban work environments, professional support can be the difference between silent suffering and sustainable recovery. Get The Full Story Here