Feeling overwhelmed or like you want to die after making a mistake at work is a concerning and distressing experience. It's essential to recognize that making mistakes is a natural part of being human, and everyone makes them at some point in their lives. However, the intensity of your emotional response may indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed. Here are some potential reasons why you might be feeling this way:
Perfectionism: If you have high standards for yourself and struggle with perfectionism, making even minor mistakes can trigger intense feelings of failure and worthlessness.
Low self-esteem: Low self-esteem can lead to self-critical thoughts and feelings of inadequacy, causing you to be overly harsh on yourself when things don't go as planned.
Fear of judgment or rejection: You might be afraid of how others will perceive you after making a mistake, leading to feelings of shame and the desire to withdraw from social interactions.
Anxiety or depression: Anxiety or depression can distort your perception of reality and magnify the impact of mistakes, making you feel overwhelmed and hopeless.
Past experiences: If you've faced significant negative consequences in the past due to mistakes, you may be carrying those experiences with you, leading to heightened emotional responses in the present.
Lack of coping strategies: If you haven't developed healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress and negative emotions, you may feel overwhelmed and struggle to handle mistakes effectively.
Work environment: An unsupportive or overly critical work environment can exacerbate feelings of distress and make it challenging to recover from mistakes.
If you find yourself feeling this way frequently, it's essential to seek support and professional help. Here are some steps you can take:
Talk to someone: Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or coworker about your feelings. Sometimes, sharing your emotions can provide relief and support.
Consider therapy: A therapist can help you explore the underlying causes of your intense emotional reactions and provide coping strategies to manage them effectively.
Practice self-compassion: Learn to be kinder to yourself and treat yourself with the same understanding and forgiveness you would offer a friend who made a mistake.
Challenge negative thoughts: Work on recognizing and challenging negative thought patterns that contribute to your distress.
Seek a supportive work environment: If possible, discuss your feelings with your supervisor or HR department to address any workplace issues that might be contributing to your emotional struggles.
Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and there is no shame in asking for support. With the right tools and support, you can learn to cope with mistakes in a healthier way and build resilience in the face of challenges.