Maybe you check email before you're out of bed and again right before sleep. Weekends feel restless unless you're getting something done, and a day off brings more guilt than rest. People may call you driven or dedicated, but inside it feels more like you can't stop. If that sounds familiar, this post is for you. It covers what workaholism is, the signs you might be a workaholic, how it links to stress and anxiety, and small ways to step back.
This post is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you're worried about your mental health, a counsellor or your doctor can help.
What is workaholism?
The APA Dictionary of Psychology describes workaholism as a compulsive need to work, and to work to an excessive degree. It notes that a workaholic has trouble holding back from work, and that this kind of driven overinvolvement is often a source of stress, relationship problems and health problems.
Workaholism is not a formal diagnosis. It's a way to describe a pattern. And a busy season is not the same thing. Plenty of people work long hours during a launch, tax season or a big move, then return to a normal pace. Workaholism is more about the pull to work that doesn't switch off, even when the work could wait.
Signs you might be a workaholic
There's no test or score that can tell you if you're a workaholic. But these signs of a workaholic are worth noticing:
You feel guilty or anxious when you're not working
You work during meals, family time or holidays
Rest feels like wasted time
You think about work most of the time, even when you're off
People close to you have said you work too much
You've tried to cut back and found it hard
Your sleep, health or relationships are taking a hit
If you're asking, "Am I a workaholic?", try these reflection questions instead of looking for a verdict. When was the last time you rested without guilt? What would happen if you stopped at 5 tonight? Who notices when you're not there?
Hard worker or workaholic?
Working hard is not a problem. Many people love their jobs and give them a lot of energy. The difference is often about choice and feeling.
A hard worker usually chooses to put in extra effort, enjoys it and can switch off when it's time. A workaholic often feels driven to work, struggles to stop and feels guilt or unease during rest.
A demanding job can still be a healthy one. The question is whether work leaves room for the rest of your life, and whether you can step back when you want to.
What causes workaholism?
There's no single cause. Some things that may play a part:
Worth tied to achievement. If you feel good about yourself only when you're productive, rest can feel threatening. Self-esteem counselling can help you find other ways to feel worthy.
Perfectionism. Nothing feels finished, so you keep going.
Anxiety. Staying busy can quiet worry for a while.
Family messages. You may have grown up hearing that rest was lazy.
Workplace culture. Some workplaces reward always being available.
Money worries. Financial stress can make every extra hour feel necessary.
Most people find a mix of these at play.
Workaholism and mental health
Workaholism and mental health are often linked. A 2016 study by Andreassen and colleagues surveyed a large group of workers online. It found that workaholism was linked with more symptoms of ADHD, OCD, anxiety and depression. The study took a single snapshot in time, so it can't show which came first. But it suggests that heavy, compulsive work often travels with other struggles.
Long hours can also feed burnout. Mayo Clinic lists a heavy workload, long hours and trouble with work-life balance as risk factors for job burnout. The World Health Organization describes burn-out as an occupational phenomenon, not a medical condition. Mayo Clinic also notes that burnout isn't a medical diagnosis, but it can raise the risk of depression.
If work worry follows you everywhere, our post on work anxiety may help you put words to it.
How to stop being a workaholic, one small step at a time
You don't need to overhaul your life. Small steps help you build new habits:
Set a stop time. Pick a time to finish, and treat it like a meeting you can't miss.
Protect one evening a week. Make it fully work-free, with no checking.
Put your phone away. Turn off work notifications after hours when you can, or leave your phone in another room.
Notice the pull. When you feel the urge to work, pause and name it. "I'm feeling anxious, so I want to work."
Reconnect with your values. What matters to you outside of work? Add one small thing each week.
Spend time with people. Plan something with a friend or family member, and keep the plan.
Practise self-compassion. You'll slip sometimes. Treat yourself like you'd treat a friend.
Rest on purpose. Mayo Clinic suggests relaxing activities, exercise, sleep and mindfulness to help cope with stress.
At first, rest may feel uncomfortable. That's normal. Over time, it often gets easier.
If someone you love is a workaholic
It can be lonely to love someone who's always working. You may miss them, worry about their health or feel like you come second.
Try to talk without blame. "I miss you, and I'd love one evening a week together" lands better than "You care more about work than me." Share how you feel and what you'd like, and give them room to respond. You can also take care of your own needs, with friends, hobbies and rest, rather than waiting.
If you are thinking about suicide or hurting yourself, call or text 9-8-8 now. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
When it's more than long hours
Sometimes workaholism sits on top of something heavier. It may be time to reach out if you notice:
Exhaustion that doesn't lift, even on days off
Trouble sleeping most nights
Low mood or loss of interest most days
Panic or dread about work
Using alcohol or other things to wind down every night
Asking for help is a strong step, not a weak one.
How counselling can help with workaholism
Counselling gives you a place to slow down and look at what's driving the pattern. Our stress and burnout counselling can help with workaholism by helping you:
Understand what keeps you working when you want to stop
Ease anxiety and guilt around rest
Build a sense of worth that isn't tied to output
Set limits that protect your time and health
Reconnect with people and activities you care about
We also offer individual counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). CBT can help you notice and change the thoughts that keep you working. ACT can help you make room for discomfort while you move toward what matters to you.
You can see us in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge or Ottawa, or by secure video from anywhere in Ontario.
Cost, billing and your first step
We accept Health Spending Accounts (HSAs).
We can direct bill many insurers. Coverage depends on your plan, so check with your insurer before you start.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with our admin team. Let them know work stress is what's bringing you in, and they'll help you find a good fit.
If you're in crisis: if you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911. If you're thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 any time, day or night.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
Workaholism, APA Dictionary of Psychology
The relationships between workaholism and symptoms of psychiatric disorders: a large-scale cross-sectional study, Andreassen and colleagues, PLoS One, 2016
Job burnout: How to spot it and take action, Mayo Clinic
Burn-out an occupational phenomenon: International Classification of Diseases, World Health Organization