By Heriberto Perez–Zuñiga

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – APRIL 9, 2025 – 

The emails are flooding in and your inbox is filling up like high tide in a bottle.

That phone just won’t stop ringing ringing ringing.

Deadlines are … right now!

And to add insult to injury … your car won’t start.

Your heart is beating faster and faster. Obsessive thoughts float around and creep on in.

The pressure keeps building, and you’re left with little room to breathe.  

Workplace stress is a daily reality for many, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can seriously affect mental and physical well-being.

April is National Stress Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact of chronic stress and highlight ways to maintain mental and physical well-being amid daily pressures. 

The American Institute of Stress reports that 83% of workers in the United States experience work-related stress, and nearly one in four say work is their biggest source of worry.

Dr. Alcides Amador from UT Health RGV emphasizes recognizing and managing workplace anxiety, which can stem from high workloads and deadlines. As April is National Stress Awareness Month, it's crucial to address chronic stress and prioritize well-being, he said. (UTRGV Photo)

In the Rio Grande Valley, where many juggle multiple jobs and family responsibilities, seeking mental health care can be challenging due to stigma or lack of access.

Dr. Alcides Amador, board-certified psychiatrist at UT Health RGV and an assistant professor at the UTRGV School of Medicine, said recognizing workplace anxiety and learning how to manage it is key to maintaining mental wellness.

“Workplace anxiety can stem from high workloads, tight deadlines, job insecurity, and even interpersonal conflicts,” Amador said. “When stress lingers beyond work hours and leads to persistent fatigue, irritability, or physical symptoms like headaches and muscle tension, it’s a sign that it may be more than just normal work stress.”

STRESS VS. DEPRESSION

While some level of stress is expected in any job, Amador said, distinguishing between everyday work pressure and more serious conditions like anxiety or depression is essential. 

“Normal work-related stress tends to resolve after a challenging task is completed,” he said. “However, anxiety and depression persist beyond the workplace, affecting sleep, concentration, and even personal relationships.

“Anxiety can lead to symptoms such as rapid heartbeats and difficulty breathing, while depression can cause persistent sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest in daily activities,” he said. 

To combat workplace stress, Amador recommends:

• Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life.
• Taking regular breaks.
• And engaging in stress-relief activities like exercise and mindfulness techniques.

For high-pressure environments, he also encourages open communication with supervisors and co-workers, to help manage the workload effectively.

VALLEY MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS

“Many people in the Valley hesitate to seek professional mental health care because of cultural beliefs or fear of being judged,” Amador said. “But seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are resources available at UT Health RGV Clinics and local mental health organizations to help those in need.”

Employers play an essential role in fostering a supportive work environment, he said.

Encouraging open conversations about mental health, offering employee assistance programs, and providing managers with training to recognize signs of stress can improve workplace well-being.

“At the end of the day, mental health should be treated just like physical health,” Amador said. “Taking proactive steps to manage stress, and seeking support when needed, can improve both job performance and overall quality of life.” 

For more mental health resources or to schedule a mental health consultation, visit UTHealthRGV.org.