Workaholic (work addicts): normal is not and what are the characteristics

What's the difference between a hard worker and a workaholic (workaholic)? Distinguishing the two is difficult, but that doesn't mean they can't be distinguished. Working is indeed one way to develop and maximize one's potential. Especially for people who have just entered their productive age. However, in certain situations, many people become so obsessed with their work that they are willing to work overtime every night, even on holidays. What are the characteristics of a workaholic? And are you a workaholic? Find out in this article.

Is a workaholic including mental disorders?

Research found that 7.8% of people in the world fall into the category of workaholics or workaholic. People who have this designation spend more time at work or can be said to exceed normal hours.

Workaholics may “use” their job to reduce guilt and anxiety about certain problems. Crazy work can also make a person leave hobbies, sports, or relationships with people closest to him.

Work addiction, or workaholism, or better known as workaholism first used to describe an uncontrollable need to continue working. The person called by workaholic is someone who has this condition.

Although the term workaholic has been widely known in society, but workaholic or workaholism is not a medical condition or mental disorder because it is not included in the Guidelines for the Diagnosis of Mental Disorders (PPDGJ), which is the standard for mental disorders used by mental health workers in various parts of the world.

Why isn't it recognized? Because work addiction can still be seen on the positive side, it is not always considered a problem. Excessive work can sometimes be rewarded financially and culturally. Work addiction can become a problem if it causes problems in the same way as other addictions.

Then why is there a term workaholic? Actually this term arises from the layman, not medical. Workaholics are considered the same as alcoholic, that is, people who are addicted to alcohol. In addition, work addiction also cannot be considered as something normal because it can cause several problems in oneself workaholic.

Impact of being a workaholic

Although excessive work is often considered good and even appreciated, work addiction outside the normal limits will cause problems. Like other addictions, work addiction is driven by compulsion, and not because of a natural sense of dedication to work.

In fact, people who are victims of a work addiction may be very unhappy and suffering from work, they may be overly concerned about their work and feel unable to control their desire to work. These workaholics may spend a lot of time and energy on work and this is likely to interfere with activities outside of work.

Various studies have shown that excessive pressure in the work environment can increase the risk of serious mental disorders such as depression. People who are addicted to work may also pay less attention to their health due to lack of sleep, lack of food, and excessive caffeine consumption.

What are the characteristics of a workaholic?

• Increased activity without increasing productivity.
• Obsessed with working more, longer, and being busier.
• Spend more time working than you would like.
• Overwork to maintain self-esteem.
• Work to reduce feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety, or hopelessness.
• Ignore suggestions or requests from others to reduce work.
• Having personal problems with family, lovers, or close friends due to busy work.
• Have health problems that arise due to stress due to work or because of overwork.
• Using work as a "escape" because of a problem.
• Feeling pressured when not working.
• You will 'relapse' overwork after you try to reduce or stop work activities.

What if you feel addicted to work?

If you feel that you have become a workaholic, take breaks and understand how you feel. Watch for symptoms of stress and depression. You can counsel with a psychologist or therapist so you can control your desire to work. Expert counseling can help you understand what makes you addicted to work and how to control yourself.