One of the most frustrating aspects of anxiety is that it can strike anywhere especially in the workplace.

Most individuals operate with some anxiety at all times in order to be successful, said Kate Cummins , a California-based clinical psychologist working at Stanford University. Think about the nerves you get before delivering a presentation or negotiating a raise, for example.

But ongoing, intense anxiety is different. Dealing with it at work can diminish your focus and derail your productivity, initiating a vicious cycle of perpetual stress. Eighteen percent of people who responded to a 2017 American Psychological Association well-being survey said they had a difficult time completing their work due to anxiety and other mental health issues.

The evaluation aspects of a work environment can be incredibly anxiety-provoking, said Ryan Hooper , a clinical psychologist practicing in Chicago. He also said the pressure to succeed, coupled with the fear of making a mistake, can become crippling.