Mental Health Day
Do you ever feel like you are constantly going and going, without stopping to care for yourself or realizing how it is effecting you mentally? Some of you may have heard of or even taken a Mental Health day off work. As far as employers are concerned it is not the most likable “self help therapy”, however for those suffering from a mental health problem or too much stress it is necessary to consider.
What is a Mental Health Day? It is most definitely not something you will see on your plan when you sign up working for a company. That is because it is not provided. It is up to each individual to asses if they need to take a Mental Health day. I think we have all experienced that low down “depression” at one point or a another in our lives and when it hits you know you will be not be able to be productive at work. You are tired or the fatigue sets in and you might not be able to move even if you wanted to.
I do want to add that this is not just a day to take whenever you feel like it and without consideration for you employer. If you have been an exemplary worker, always come in on time, do your work before deadline and you get along with your manager, then you are a good candidate for taking a Mental Health Day. For those that suffer from a mental health problem this is a dilemma because the quilt always sets in. It is important to remember that this is not an excuse to be lazy but a day for replenishment and rest from what drags you down.
How do you take this Mental Health Day? A Mental Health day is a day you take off work to do something you love, and this does not include any appointments, errands or house chores. It is a day for you to unwind and take care of your body as well as mind. Sometimes it can be difficult to see how our physical state can effect our mental state, the other way it is even worse. There is a definite connection between your mental health and physical sickness, you just have to pay attention.
What does everyone think about Mental Health day? Do you believe it is something to consider if you feel you cannot function properly at work?
Considering that companies do not even provide maternity leave for women, I think we are far away from them granting any kind of mental health anything. This is unfortunate but the companies also need to realize that people who are suffering from mental illnesses are less productive and therefore they should also provide health care packages that cover mental health.
You can find so much information on mental health days, it is something a lot of people do, but no one likes to talk about. You are so right about the guilt. It is so important to take care of yourself when you know you are heading down a bad path and eventually a breakdown. Mental health days are needed.
I think mental health days are a great idea. On my down days, I like to take a long bath, practice yoga, reflect on my life through my journal, and practice reiki. These are things that help me move through my emotions constructively. Going to work and giving 100% is difficult when your not feeling well. Relaxation is huge to your well being!