We all need a break from work sometimes and having time off for your wellbeing is just as important as time off for a physical illness. Taking a 'me' day off to mentally recharge can help you return to work with new energy and motivation.
“Sick days can and should be used for a mental health problem, just as for a physical health problem, if it's severe enough that someone needs time off.
Your employer can refer you to occupational health if you have a physical or mental health problem that is affecting your work or causing you to take time off sick, particularly if this is more than two or three weeks at once. If you disagree with their assessment, it is important to seek advice.
It's important to take steps to address stress in your life, including taking time off work if necessary because otherwise the feelings of stress can become worse and lead to more significant physical illnesses.
Calling in sick for mental health reasons is perfectly valid. A sick day can give you time to practice self-care, allowing you to return to your day-to-day life feeling calmer and refreshed. Not all employers may see it this way as stigma against mental illness is still rife.
Plan What You're Going To Say
It also helps to word your request as something that would benefit the company. An example might be, 'I wanted to discuss taking a mental health day. Since working on our current project, I've been feeling that my productivity isn't at the level that I would like it to be at.
According to Susie, it's all about both sides taking steps to normalise mental health issues: “If you think that your mental health would affect your work performance, then it's OK to take a day off sick. You don't need to make up a physical ailment.”
You should take 1 mental health day per month, psychologist says—here are 4 great ways to use them. When you're under pressure and feeling stressed, you might feel irresponsible taking time off from work.
It can be taken as a standalone leave or as part of a larger leave of absence, such as sick leave, annual leave, or personal leave. Stress leave is often used to address the impact of work-related stressors, including excessive workload, unrealistic deadlines, bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
feel isolated — disinterested in the company of family and friends, or withdrawing from usual daily activities. feel overwhelmed — unable to concentrate or make decisions. be moody — feeling low or depression; feeling burnt out; emotional outbursts of uncontrollable anger, fear, helplessness or crying.
Budget more time than you think you'll need so that the conversation isn't cut short. Be clear about the impact your mental health challenges are having at work. If the cause is work-related, share that also. As much as possible, come with suggestions for how your manager or HR can help you.
“Say, 'I appreciate your trust and support. I'm trying hard, but I am still struggling,'” he says. If you “establish your good intentions,” hopefully your boss can support you in identifying and transitioning to a more suitable role.
Being burned out means feeling empty and mentally exhausted, devoid of motivation, and beyond caring. People experiencing burnout often don't see any hope of positive change in their situations. If excessive stress feels like you're drowning in responsibilities, burnout is a sense of being all dried up.
Yes, mental health is a valid reason to quit your job. Prioritizing one's well-being is crucial for long-term success and happiness. If the work environment negatively impacts mental health, it's essential to consider other options such as seeking professional help or exploring alternative career paths.
This is a great example of using your sick time to when you're not feeling well mentally or emotionally. If you are not able to give 100% of your effort at work, it is perfectly okay to take a sick day to stay home and rejuvenate yourself!
You'll reset yourself mentally.
Nothing can lead to an anxiety attack faster than working a million days all in a row. So taking even one day off can help reset yourself mentally, and make it easier to have a clear head once back at work.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, so you have a right to take time off if you're unwell. What makes the conversation with your manager even easier is you don't need to provide details as to why you're taking the leave.
Taking a mental health day often means taking time out to relax. That can mean watching TV in pajamas for hours, or puttering around the house and doing nothing.
Rather than making it about how you "feel", focus on the impact your mental health is having on your work and productivity - and how you can work together to improve the situation. Remember, your employer will want to help you not least because it makes good business sense.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you are under no obligation to disclose your anxiety or any other condition to your employer. Unfortunately, while telling your employer is a personal choice, your job can't make any accommodations for you if they don't know what's happening.
Treat it like any other sick day
One of the things that can hold people back from taking time off to care for their mental health is the perception that stress, feeling run down, sadness or anxiety aren't good enough reasons to take time off. It's best to quickly dismiss that idea.
You've become less productive, even though you're working the same number of hours. You're exhausted after throwing yourself into a time-intensive work project. You've become sad, irritable or angry. You're more anxious or depressed than usual, and you're feeling overwhelmed.