Workaholic: Unravelling the Hidden Costs of Compulsive Work

By Tracey Brittain, Psychotherapist & EMDR Specialist

Introduction

"I can't stop working," whispered Sophie, a highly successful barrister, tears brimming as she confessed this secret compulsion in my therapy room. She wasn't alone. Like Sophie, countless individuals I've treated as a psychotherapist and EMDR specialist are trapped in patterns of compulsive overwork—a condition often trivialised as mere dedication or ambition. But beneath this facade lies a profound inner struggle.

This struggle, known clinically as workaholism, describes a compulsive, uncontrollable urge to work incessantly, first identified by psychologist Wayne Oates in 1971. Unlike those who find genuine joy in their careers, the workaholic is driven not by passion, but by an internal sense of anxiety, guilt, or inadequacy (Clark et al., 2016).

In the UK alone, between 8-10% of adults display symptoms of workaholism, a statistic mirrored across Europe and even more pronounced in the United States (Andreassen et al., 2018). The Japanese experience—karōshi, or death from overwork—provides a stark warning of the extremes to which workaholism can push us. Yet, Western societies remain dangerously close behind.

Through both clinical insights and compelling research, this book explores what drives workaholism, the often-hidden damage it inflicts, and pathways to healing.

Understanding Why We Become Workaholics

Emotional Roots

In my practice, I've seen clearly how workaholism frequently stems from unresolved emotional wounds—often rooted in early-life experiences. Driven by perfectionism, a fear of inadequacy, or an insatiable need for validation, many workaholics subconsciously use work to soothe deep-seated anxieties (Stoeber & Damian, 2016).

Consider Mark, a software executive whose compulsive work habits concealed feelings of worthlessness instilled in childhood. EMDR therapy revealed the origin of his drive: the persistent voice of a critical parent, perpetually reminding him he "wasn't good enough." Work became his coping mechanism, and ultimately, his prison.

Cultural Influences

Culturally, we have normalised and even glorified excessive work. In the UK, Europe, and particularly the US, a relentless work ethic—embodied by the 24/7 availability enabled by smartphones—creates fertile ground for workaholism (Clark et al., 2016). My clients often describe feeling an intense social pressure to prove their worth through constant productivity, making the struggle against workaholism both personal and collective.

Workplace Dynamics

Perhaps most crucially, workplaces themselves frequently encourage workaholic behaviour. Unreasonable expectations, unrealistic deadlines, and a subtle reward system for overwork all reinforce compulsive habits (Balducci et al., 2021). Conversely, workplaces setting healthy boundaries—such as clear policies against after-hours communication—dramatically reduce workaholism risks.

The Real Costs of Workaholism

Mental and Emotional Damage

Workaholics often arrive at my practice emotionally exhausted, anxious, and profoundly unhappy. Research consistently associates workaholism with high rates of depression, anxiety, and burnout (Andreassen et al., 2018). Chronic stress from relentless work leads to emotional detachment, insomnia, and severe mental health challenges.

Physical Toll

The body inevitably expresses what the mind suppresses. Compulsive work patterns increase risks for cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and chronic fatigue (WHO, 2021). In my clinical experience, these physical symptoms are frequently the body's final plea for rest—ignored until they can no longer be silenced.

Relationship Breakdown

Clients like Sophie often claim to work "for their families," yet ironically, workaholism deeply damages those very relationships. Partners feel neglected, children grow emotionally distant, and friendships wither (Andreassen et al., 2018). EMDR therapy has frequently revealed buried grief over these lost connections, grief that had been numbed by relentless productivity.

Professional Consequences

Ironically, workaholism seldom leads to greater productivity. Overworked individuals experience cognitive impairment, reduced efficiency, and increased errors (Clark et al., 2016). Businesses unknowingly encourage conditions that ultimately harm both their employees and their own success.

Healing Workaholism: Clinical and Personal Pathways

Psychotherapy and EMDR

My clinical practice highlights that psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and EMDR, significantly helps individuals recover from workaholism. CBT challenges the distorted beliefs about worth and productivity that drive compulsive behaviours, while EMDR effectively heals the underlying emotional wounds that compel excessive work.

One memorable client, Daniel, a financial analyst, transformed through EMDR therapy, releasing deep-seated anxiety and finally experiencing life beyond his office walls. Mindfulness-based practices further supported his recovery, reducing compulsive urges by increasing his tolerance for rest and relaxation (Van Gordon et al., 2017).

Workplace and Cultural Solutions

Real, sustainable change also demands workplace shifts. Companies in the UK piloting four-day workweeks have reported significant decreases in burnout and stress-related illnesses, alongside improved productivity (Stronge et al., 2022). Broader policy changes—such as France's Right to Disconnect—further support individuals in reclaiming their lives from the relentless pull of work.

Conclusion

Workaholism, at its core, is not about work itself, but about emotional pain and the compulsion to escape it. As a psychotherapist specialising in EMDR, I've witnessed profound healing occur when individuals address these underlying wounds, reshaping their relationships with work and themselves.

Through compassionate awareness, meaningful workplace reforms, and courageous personal introspection, we can break free from the destructive cycle of workaholism. Ultimately, we must collectively redefine success—not as endless productivity but as balance, health, and authentic living.

Together, we can stop being defined by how much we do, and begin embracing who we truly are.

Tracey Brittain is a leading therapist in Harley Street, London specialising in trauma, anxiety, and emotional regulation for children, adolescents, and adults. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she is accredited in EMDR, Brainspotting, and CBT, and integrates a range of therapeutic approaches including attachment theory, psychodynamic, and creative techniques. Tracey is a registered member of the BACP and UKCP, and offers therapy, supervision, and specialist workshops both in-person and online. Tracey can be contacted at www.emdrharleyst.com