Being surrounded by drama day in and day out in the workplace is not only distracting, but it also wreaks havoc on your mental health. This type of drama most often entails employees expressing emotions usually in an exaggerated and toxic manner. These employees are overly dramatic and usually pessimistic, and, if you allow it, they can drag you down with them faster than you can escape. Here is how to deal with workplace drama without losing your sanity.

Can Workplace Drama Affect Your Sanity? 

Workplace drama affects not only your overall productivity, but it can also affect your sanity. It creates a toxic environment that can lead to any number of the following mental health challenges: 

• Anxiety 
• Chronic Stress 
• Depression 
• Negative rumination 
• Self-Doubt 

Physical effects can also occur, like fatigue, insomnia, and illness. 

5 Ways Workplace Drama is Dragging You Down 

If you participate in workplace drama, become the target of drama instigators, or stay surrounded by drama, it can drag you down in the following ways: 

• Distracts from job responsibilities 
• Puts professional reputation at risk 
• Damages relationships, both professional and personal 
• Decreases job satisfaction 
• Increases stress, tension, and anxiety 

3 Ways to Deal with Workplace Drama 

So, what can you do if you’re stuck in a toxic drama-fueled work environment? Here are three suggestions to deal with workplace drama. 

1. Stay Uninvolved 

Refuse to choose sides and stay as uninvolved as possible. Avoid feeding the drama in any way. 

2. Limit Interactions with Drama Instigators 

Only interact with the drama instigators during work-related conversations and meetings and focus on the positives only. If you don’t work with them directly, find ways to avoid them. 

3. Go Directly to the Source 

If someone attempts to put you in the middle of the drama, such as talking behind your back, go to them directly to discuss the situation. Plan what to discuss and stay professional, avoiding angry responses or accusations. 

It will take effort on your part to positively deal with workplace drama. However, you can rise above it and make the most of your work environment and your mental health while at work.