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

Many people find themselves downplaying their stress, especially in a professional setting. There's often a feeling that admitting overwhelm might be seen as a weakness or a lack of capability. This common response often stems from a desire to maintain a strong image and avoid burdening colleagues or superiors.

Research indicates that nearly 70% of employees have experienced symptoms of burnout, often without openly discussing it with their employers 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?

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

Does Everyone?

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

Like, I just turned 58 and I've been teaching third grade for thirty-five years in the same little school, the one I actually went to myself, and you’d think I’d have it all figured out by now. …

burnout denial

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… …

burnout denial

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

burnout denial

My dad’s bistro. …

burnout denial

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. …

burnout denial

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people hide their stress at work?▾
Individuals often hide stress at work due to a fear of appearing incompetent, a desire to maintain a positive professional image, or concerns about career repercussions. There can also be a belief that they should be able to handle everything independently.
What happens if I ignore work stress?▾
Ignoring work stress can lead to increased fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and reduced productivity over time. It can also manifest physically as headaches or sleep disturbances, impacting overall well-being.
How can I signal I'm struggling without saying 'I'm overwhelmed'?▾
You can signal you're struggling by requesting clarification on priorities, asking for more time on a task, or discussing workload with a manager in terms of capacity. Focus on practical solutions rather than emotional expressions.

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