We spend a huge portion of our lives at work. So when the workplace is toxic, it doesn’t stay at the office — it follows you home, disturbs your sleep, and wears down your mental health over time.
Signs of a toxic work environment
- Constant fear, blame, or walking on eggshells
- Bullying, disrespect, or public humiliation
- Unreasonable demands with no support
- No boundaries between work and personal life
- Feeling anxious every Sunday night
The mental health toll
A toxic workplace fuels anxiety, chronic stress, and low mood, and is a fast track to burnout.
How to protect yourself
- Set what boundaries you can — protect your off-hours.
- Document issues if you’re being mistreated.
- Lean on support outside of work.
- Weigh your options — sometimes protecting your health means moving on.
You don’t have to cope alone
Therapy helps you manage the stress, rebuild confidence, and think clearly about your next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Can a toxic job cause anxiety or depression?
Yes. Ongoing workplace stress and mistreatment are strongly linked to anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Should I quit a toxic job?
Not always immediately — but your health matters. Therapy can help you weigh your options and cope while you decide.
Talk to someone who gets it
You don’t have to work through this alone. Mytherapist.ng connects you with licensed Nigerian therapists over secure video, audio, or chat — from ₦4,000. Take the free 2-minute check-in, or browse therapists to get started today.
Related reading
Suggested read: NYSC Redeployment: Coping With the Stress
If your employer runs an EAP, you can usually book confidential sessions through it at no cost to you.
