Mental Health

Why Quitting a Job Due to Mental Health Reasons Is Valid

By Dynne C. | Update Date: Dec 12, 2023 12:40 AM EST

A toxic work environment can seriously harm mental health, leading individuals to leave their jobs for self-preservation. 

In a study, researchers found that toxic coworkers cause 80% of employees to worry. This resulted in 78% of participants reducing their commitment to their job and 66% of them hampering their performance. 

Mental health deterioration, particularly when diagnosed with conditions like depression or anxiety, could be detrimental to a person's overall well-being. While some people may oppose the idea, it is completely valid to quit a job to prioritize mental health. Here are two of the reasons to consider when thinking about doing so:

Maintaining your motivation

Clinical psychologist Dr. Jessica January Behr emphasizes that without one's mental health, maintaining motivation and productivity can become challenging or even impossible. She warns that neglecting mental health and making the workplace off-limits for one's well-being is an unsustainable practice. Dr. Behr highlighted the significance of workplaces in our lives, noting that as most individuals spend a substantial portion of their lives working, it's crucial to prioritize and invest in mental health within this primary setting.

Avoiding repeated toxic behavior

It is normal to vent after a long day at work. However, if it is done repeatedly, it fuels a person's anxiety, which also hinders genuine self-reflection. An intense dislike for the workplace might signal the necessity for change, especially when toxicity, harassment, or exploitation dominates the environment. 

Sacrificing personal time entirely for work without any kind of satisfaction reflects an unhealthy work-life balance. Unreasonable work demands, constant on-call duties, or an absence of compensation for invested time exemplify the job's toll on mental health. These scenarios underscore reasons to prioritize mental well-being over professional continuity.

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