With a background in clinical psychology, Srishti Bhatnagar channels her empathy into creating meaningful impact, both individually and at scale. Now working in People and Culture, she’s passionate about building supportive environments where people can grow, connect, and truly thrive.

The worrying, irritability, restlessness, fear, nervousness, palpitations, increased heartbeats, sounds familiar? We’ve all experienced anxiety occasionally, before an important exam, a high-stakes meeting, a job interview, or even a first date.

Fear and worry are normal responses to the pressures around us. These emotions are part of being human. But for someone living with an anxiety disorder, these feelings aren’t occasional. They linger. They grow.

And with time, they can overwhelm and interfere with everyday life, disrupting routines, relationships, and responsibilities. And anxiety doesn’t wait outside the office door, it walks in with them.

People living with an anxiety disorder often feel stuck. Even the smallest tasks, writing a simple email, calling a client, getting out of bed, can feel like monumental challenges. Their own mind becomes their toughest critic, scattering thoughts into tiny fragments, leaving no space for clarity or calm.

This inner chaos dulls focus, clouds judgment, and chips away at confidence. Decisions become harder to make. Mistakes become more frequent. Tasks that require sharp thinking and responsiveness are weighed down by mental clutter.

The nervous system, constantly in fight-or-flight, drains their energy. Social interactions become exhausting. Many begin to avoid team engagements, which can slowly erode camaraderie and cohesion.

Colleagues, unaware of the storm inside, may grow resentful. A vicious loop begins. And just like that, anxiety becomes an unwelcome partner, shadowing both personal and professional life.

What Can You Do If You’re Living With Anxiety?

When your mind feels overwhelmed, step away. Take a walk, even if it’s just around the office block. If there’s a quiet spot, take a few moments for yourself: try a short breathing exercise or simply close your eyes and focus on your breath.

Notice when your thoughts begin to spiral. Pause. Breathe. Acknowledge what you’re feeling. Remind yourself: no emotion, no thought, no moment lasts forever. This, too, shall pass.

But if none of this lightens the weight, it’s time to seek professional help. There’s no shame in asking for support. Anxiety doesn’t have to control your story. With the right help, healing is not just possible: it’s probable.

What Can Management Do?

The first step is to destigmatize mental health, acknowledge anxiety disorders as you would any physical health condition. Foster awareness, open conversation, and empathy.

Host mental wellness sessions. Train managers to listen without judgment. Make room for dialogue and create safe spaces for your teams to share. Offer flexibility, through hybrid options, wellness leaves, or access to therapy. Provide resources and support groups.

Let your workplace become a place where people don’t have to mask their struggle to maintain their seat.

I hope the only laying off we’ll talk about, is of the anxiety clouding someone’s mind.

References

• Empower Counseling: Anxiety in the Workplace• Better Health Victoria: Work-Related Stress• Elevation Behavioral Health: Is Your Anxiety Affecting Work Performance?