Although there are no firm statistics to quantify the problem, it is believed based on evidence that many Americans suffer from Weekend or Sunday Night Anxiety. One of the many anxiety disorders that now seem to be a part of modern life, Sunday Night Anxiety (SNA) is described as a chronic and disabling worrying or dread about returning to work on Monday morning. Nearly all of us know at least one or two people who apparently suffer from SNA.
Symptoms
Those who suffer Sunday Night Anxiety generally feel fine after leaving work on Friday and throughout Saturday. However, come Sunday morning, and as the day continues, the SNA sufferer slumps into either a deep depression or a state of nervousness punctuated by dread. Some SNA sufferers are unable to enjoy any part of Sunday and may even experience acute insomnia on Sunday night. The symptoms appear every Sunday morning without fail. If Monday is a national holiday, the anxiety simply shifts one day forward. Even while on an extended vacation, SNA sufferers feel anxious on Sundays.
Consequences
Sufferers of SNA can be moody, sad and lack energy to engage in activities and chores, or they can be irritable and argumentative, difficult to be around. They make poor companions on Sundays either way. In most cases, the Sunday is "wasted" for them at the same time that they often spoil the day for others.
Causes
Sunday Night Anxiety is stress-related. Unhappiness with a job, poor relationships with co-workers, the pressures of work expectations, acute boredom or lack of confidence or insecurity at work can all cause feelings of dread at the prospect of returning to "that prison," or "that hell" on Monday morning. It only takes a few bad weeks of pressure and trauma before the sufferer begins to anticipate trouble on Monday.
Treatment
People with SNA usually respond well to counseling, including individual talking-therapy, couple, and family counseling. Awareness of the anxiety disorder helps open the door to relief. Various strategies such as self-coaching and diversions such as programming Sunday nights with a fun event can help the sufferer overcome those feelings of dread. Gentle anti-anxiety medications, such as Zoloft and Paxil, can also be very effective.
Career Adjustments
Extreme anxiety about going to work is an unmistakable sign that the sufferer's unhappiness with her job, which is common, has escalated beyond the norm. Though many of us don't like our jobs, few are made psychologically ill by the prospect of going to work on Monday morning. In the end, the surest way to cure SNA is to face the root problem squarely. Talk with your boss, your company Human Resources officer or corporate nurse. A note from your doctor or therapist can help bring serious attention to your need. If this is more likely to cause further trauma, look for a transfer, ask for a new assignment, or seek another job.
References
- "Work Makes Me Nervous: Overcome Anxiety and Build the Confidence to Succeed by Jonathan Berent and Amy Lemley; 2010
- "Exercise for Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Workbook (Treatments That Work)"; Jasper A. J. Smits and Michael W. Otto; June 1, 2009
- "Mastery of Your Anxiety and Worry (MAW): Therapist Guide (Treatments That Work)"; Richard E. Zinbarg, Michelle G. Craske, and David H. Barlow; March 23, 2006
