Anxiety is the number one diagnosed condition of people dealing with personal issues in the workplace.

At a recent lunch-and-learn workshop in Morden, Pembina Counselling Centre Executive Director Paul Penner was there to give some insight for those who struggle at work.

"One in five people are dealing with issues at any given time, whether it be stress, whether it be illness, grief, a relationship, et cetera."

With anxiety being the most common, those diagnosed could feel threatened by certain situations, Penner says.

Penner says anxiety could be triggered by things like performance expectations, or someone feeling concerned about being measured and thinking they won't meet those expectations. For some, this dilemma can cause them to distress, and then the person is trying to manage this distress while trying to function.

In the modern age, breaking the stigmas on anxiety and creating an open dialogue should be the norm Penner says.

"More people will be dealing with anxiety than illness according to the stats. When they're away from work because they're dealing with issues that are significant in their life and they have to take off work to deal with, it's important that they get help if they're stuck, and can't resolve it in themselves."

For some, performance anxiety will diminish as they become more proficient and confident in their skills, for others who continue to struggle every day from anxiety in and outside of work, they don't have to feel alone says Penner. There are services and people who are willing and wanting to help them.