contributed photo Workaholism is defined as an excessive or compulsive need to work, at the expense of other aspects of life.

Light is being shone on workaholism today, National Workaholics Day.

Even though workaholism is not an official diagnosable condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it is still very real for many people.

Center Associates Clinical Director and Mental Health Therapist Nick Calzada said while he has not seen a lot of clients specifically for workaholism, that does not mean it does not exist in the area.

“It is definitely in Marshalltown. It is everywhere,” he said. “I can’t give a specific number, but I guarantee it’s here.”

Workaholism is defined as an excessive or compulsive need to work, at the expense of other aspects of life. People struggling with it are driven by a need for professional success or might be trying to escape personal issues.

Calzada had not heard of National Workaholics Day, but the fact a day was named speaks volumes.

“People are suffering from it,” he said. “I’m glad they are putting this on the radar and making people more aware, which is empowering. When it is recognized, it helps people identify it as an issue.”

In some cases, the behavior is accepted or encouraged by society. Calzada said he thinks that is because of the message that if a person works harder, they will have work security and more money coming in. However, while the extra money might provide a more comfortable living, it also provides chronic stress.

“The individual engaging in it may need to get help,” he said. “But if the individual still persists [in the behavior], it is deeply ingrained, especially if that is what they saw growing up. It is ingrained that is how they are supposed to function. They do not know any better.”

Calzada said some of the symptoms of workaholism are a decrease in appetite, obsessive thoughts, a lower frustration tolerance, higher impatience or irritability, lack of energy, sleep disturbances and constantly talking about work.

“Sleep disturbances are huge,” Calzada said. “That leads to higher irritability. Racing thoughts that are hard to shut off [lead to sleep disturbances].”

To help people get restful sleep, he suggested exercise and turning off electronics before bed to help the mind unwind.

‘Find balance’

Many times, he said workaholism is connected with other mental health conditions.

“Thirty-two percent of people with workaholism meet the criteria for [attention deficit hyperactive disorder], 34 percent of workaholism is related to anxiety and 9 percent of workaholics are depressed,” Calzada said. “All of the conditions are treatable.”

He said there might be a few different roots. Sometimes the behavior might begin in childhood.

“Parents or caregivers can spend long hours away from home, and the child observes that,” Calzada said. “Maybe the child has to meet the expectation of more responsibilities around the house, which could become workaholic behavior once they are grown. They were behaviors reinforced years ago.”

There are negative physical, mental and social impacts to workaholism. The behavior can lead to chronic stress and social isolation.

“A person’s needs are not being met,” he said. “Social isolation can make a person more susceptible to depression and anxiety, and can impact family, friend relationships.”

Calzada said many Marshalltown residents are working extremely hard on multiple jobs because of the rise of inflation.

“I see that almost daily,” he said. “Their financial situation has pushed them in that direction and are working excessively to make ends meet.”

With some societal encouragement and inflation, a workaholism cycle can be created.

“People can get backed up against a wall and put into those situations,” Calzada said. “They have stress, worry about paying bills, how they will take care of their kids.”

Sometimes a person struggling with the behavior can recognize they are not spending time on other things, other times their loved ones might point it out. The approach is taken on a case-by-case basis, similar to alcoholism, he said.

“Some people get treated and some do not,” Calzada said. “Some people get help after their loved ones say there is an issue, which speaks volumes. If loved ones are saying something, that is a huge red flag

Not all hope is lost. There is help for the people who are struggling, and they can even do things to help themselves, Calzada said. They could try different things to reduce the stress and get their mind off of work. For example, Calzada enjoys driving to get his mind off of work. Other people could benefit from focusing on hobbies they enjoy.

“It’s different for everyone,” he said. “Do things to get your mind off of work and find balance in life. If you do things and symptoms persist, there are psychotropic medications.”

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.