[xRavenx]

Hi,
For those of you who are working or used to work, do you think it is often necessary to call out sick due to needing a mental health day, rather than for something physical? It is really a shame that due to stigma, it feels as if I need to make something up, like I am physically sick in order to take the day off as a result of emotional problems.

I called out sick from work today, but most of my problems are due to severe anxiety, low energy, depressed mood, my head and train of thought are kind of foggy (and it does not help that I do actually have a slight headache). I did have some signs of having a cold yesterday, but today it is mainly from being run down and having ongoing anxiety.

My anxiety spiked upward to something more than usual due to an increase in work responsibilities that cause me to worry, even when I am off from work. Before COVID, I was about ready to go out on disability, but then working from home made it less stressful. But we are supposed to go back soon, and even working from home has become increasingly stressful from extra duties.

So, has anyone here taken mental health days off from work? Did you find it beneficial? How did you choose to spend the day to attempt to re-charge?

[Soupe du jour]

Absolutely, positively, OK! I depended greatly on "mental health days" to get me through various jobs, including my career one, in the past. You are so right that anyone who says mental "sickness" isn't really sick, stigmatizes mental distress and illness. I'm sure even people without a diagnosed mental illness take such days.

I suppose some employers (or specific supervisors) are more nosy about why people call out, but I never found a reason to explain my sickness. Unless interrogated, I see no need to say anything beyond "I'm feeling very sick today." What business is it of theirs to know such personal details. I guess if you need to be out for an extended period, an explanation of sorts might be necessary, but I've even had my psychiatrist write me out of work without details. Actually, once my psychologist wrote the letter and revealed it was for bipolar disorder. I found that to be a breach of privacy and was angry as a result.

It really is sad how stigmatized mental illness is. You go into the hospital because of a serious accident, cancer, heart attack, etc, and you get cards and fruit baskets from colleagues/employers. You go into the psychiatric hospital, and you likely get nothing. I know there are exceptions, but fairly few. Even if they know you can't receive the "fruit basket", the thought would count. Some gesture. Oh well!

It really depends on the type of work you do. I've worked at places where any time off had to be approved, you couldn't have a "sick day" per se. I've worked at places where your time off equates to being late to for work only.


As a teacher, and a salaried, it was the easiest and most flexible. We got ten (10) paid sick/personal days a year. We could use them all if needed, or none and they'd roll over. While reason was a box on the paperwork, it could be vague and not a problem. While it was a hassle trying to find a sub if you knew you had to be out, you didn't have to justify your decision for the time off. Also, if you had to abruptly call in, no one made a fuss and took care of it for you. It was really nice.

I wasn't afraid to put "mental health"as a reason for the day off. However, I was advised I could simply put "personal" and my school wouldn't press it much further. I guess I was lucky.

but all that aside, consider this.

Let's say you had a cold. Despite not wanting to infect others, why is it we call into work? Because we can't do our job properly in our condition. Your psychiatric symptoms are no less real than dealing with a cold. They inhibit you from working at your best capacity and you need time to recover. Just because it's not a physical ailment doesn't mean it's not real. Always remember that. Mental health is arguably the most important facet of health in the long term.

For me, I spent most of my days in bed or doing a mindless activity that made me happy. Sometimes the therapy is removing yourself from your situation. (i.e. not being at work). That seemed to be what helped me the most.

Anyway, I wouldn't sweat the details on a personal level when it comes to how you label it. I do understand stigma and if you want, just say you have a cold and just generally under the weather and needed the day off. Easy as that.

[*Beth*]

My therapist occasionally takes what she calls a "mental health day." My boss at the job I held for 15 years (the most recent job) would not have taken a mental health day kindly. But then, she didn't take sick days well, either. Too bad. I was an excellent employee and there were some times when I just plain needed a break in order to keep being the best employee possible.

imo, mental health days are essential.

[wolftrap]

I have taken mental health days in the past, but covered up by saying I was physically sick.