Does everyone keep saying 'I'm fine' when clearly overwhelmed at work?

Many people find themselves in this exact situation. It's a very common human response to downplay stress, especially in professional settings, often due to perceived expectations or a desire to maintain composure. This behavior isn't unusual when facing mounting pressures and feeling unable to openly express the true extent of work-related strain.

Research indicates that approximately 60% of employees report feeling overwhelmed at work at least once a week, yet a significant portion rarely disclose these feelings to their managers or colleagues

See other perspectives

Am I the only one who keeps saying 'I'm fine' when clearly overwhelmed at work?

Am I the Only One?

Is it normal to keep saying 'I'm fine' when clearly overwhelmed at work?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to keep saying 'I'm fine' when clearly overwhelmed at work?

Is It Weird?

Why do I keep saying 'I'm fine' when clearly overwhelmed at work?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

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Like, someone was telling me this really sad, intense story the other day, about something truly awful that happened to them, and I was sitting there, nodding, making all the right noises, and inside… …

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He’s a foreman at a big construction site down the road from where I grew up. …

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My dad’s bistro. …

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She's got this terrible headache, keeps rubbing her temples, but she's insisting to anyone who asks, which is usually just me, that it’s just her “seasonal allergies acting up. …

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people hide being overwhelmed at work?▾
Individuals often hide being overwhelmed due to concerns about appearing weak, fear of being judged, or worry that it might negatively impact their career prospects. There's often an unspoken pressure to always seem capable and in control, even when facing significant stress.
What happens if you constantly pretend to be fine at work?▾
Consistently pretending to be fine can lead to increased stress, exhaustion, and reduced job satisfaction. Over time, it can contribute to a sense of detachment and make it harder to address the root causes of the overwhelming feelings.
How can I communicate overwhelm without saying 'I'm fine'?▾
Instead of saying 'I'm fine,' try more direct but neutral phrases like 'I have a lot on my plate right now,' or 'I'm feeling stretched thin with current tasks.' You could also ask for clarification on priorities or suggest adjusting deadlines for specific items.

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