If You Show These 6 Stress Signs, You’re Working in a Toxic Workplace

When I worked in England a few years ago, my stress levels hit an all-time high. I remember waking up nauseous, sometimes even vomiting before work. I dreamt about being fired, felt unappreciated no matter how hard I tried, and overheard colleagues gossiping about my performance. Management claimed they wanted to “help,” but their actions never matched their words. The result? Constant anxiety, low self-worth, and the lingering thought: I should have quit sooner. If any of this feels familiar, you may be stuck in a toxic workplace. Here are six stress signs that shouldn’t be ignored.

1. Your Body Is Sounding the Alarm

Headaches, nausea, stomach issues, and constant fatigue are not “just part of the job.” If your body is breaking down under the weight of stress, it’s telling you something is very wrong.

2. Work Invades Your Sleep

Dreaming about work deadlines, mistakes, or even being fired is a huge red flag. Quality rest disappears when anxiety follows you into the night — and it’s often a sign of emotional burnout.

3. You Feel Invisible and Unappreciated

No matter how hard you try, nothing is ever good enough. In toxic workplaces, recognition is rare, and the lack of appreciation slowly chips away at your confidence and self-worth.

4. Gossip Becomes a Weapon

Hearing colleagues whisper about your performance (instead of receiving constructive feedback) creates a culture of fear and mistrust. Gossip isn’t just unprofessional — it’s a toxic way of controlling people.

5. Management Talks Support but Doesn’t Show It

When leadership says, “We’re here to support you,” but fails to provide resources, training, or solutions, it’s manipulation. Empty promises keep employees hanging on while their stress only worsens.

6. Anxiety Becomes Your Constant Companion

If you feel dread every morning, panic when emails arrive, or find yourself questioning your worth daily, that’s not normal stress — that’s workplace toxicity eroding your mental health.

Work shouldn’t make you sick — physically, mentally, or emotionally. If you see yourself in these signs, it’s not a reflection of your abilities but of the environment you’re in. Leaving a toxic workplace can feel terrifying, but your health and happiness are worth far more than a paycheck. Don’t wait until stress consumes you — choose yourself sooner.

Love Cass xoxo