When It’s Ok to Take a Mental Health Day
Considering taking a mental health day can be a difficult decision, especially if you’re one of the many Americans who feel guilty taking time off work, but if you’re truly in need of a mental health day, it’s crucial to take one. But how you can you tell when you truly need one? Here are some signs:
- You’re exhausted but can’t sleep.
- You constantly feel overwhelmed.
- You can’t focus.
- You feel more irritable than usual.
- You need time for a mental health appointment, i.e. a therapist appointment.
- You’re constantly getting headaches, colds, etc.
- You constantly feel frustrated at work.
If you experience some of these symptoms regularly, you probably could benefit from a mental health day. If you decide to push through and continue working, your productivity and work quality could suffer, so you shouldn’t feel guilty for taking a day off to reset when it’s necessary. Of course, taking a mental health day may end up just being a band-aid on a larger issue. If you suspect there’s something larger at play, it may be beneficial to seek professional help.
SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, offers a free helpline: 1-800-662-HELP
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available at 1-800-273-8255
