Mental health is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of our lives. Without a healthy mind, we are far less productive and happy, both at our work and at home. Asking to step away from work when suffering from a mental health condition or challenging time has been taboo for as long as many of us can remember. This has done quite a bit of harm, especially with the pandemic and other world issues taking place in the last few years. Taking time off from work for mental health is not only acceptable but also essential for maintaining a balanced and productive life. In this blog, we touch on the reasons behind this shift in perspective, the benefits of taking such breaks, and how to navigate this topic in the workplace.
A Changing Perspective
The traditional workplace culture has often stigmatized discussions about mental health, leaving employees hesitant to openly address their struggles. Thankfully, society’s evolving understanding of mental health has prompted a shift in how we perceive and approach this issue in the workplace and at home. Employers and employees alike are now seeing that mental health is just as important as our physical health. Previously, employers would not bat an eye at the need for a day off due to a thrown-out back or a broken leg. When an employee said they are struggling mentally, though, it would not be given the same level of understanding. Companies are now starting to implement mental health programs and policies, and conversations about mental health are becoming more normalized, which is beneficial for everyone.
Benefits of Taking Time Off for Mental Health
- Reduced Burnout: Continuous stress and pressure without adequate breaks can lead to burnout. Taking time off allows you to recharge, preventing burnout and improving the way that you feel on a day-to-day basis.
- Increased Productivity: Stepping away from work temporarily can lead to increased productivity in the long run, unsurprisingly. When you return with a refreshed mind, you’re more likely to be focused and motivated to tackle tasks that previously overwhelmed you.
- Improved Mental Clarity: Mental health breaks provide the opportunity to clear your mind, reevaluate your priorities, and gain perspective on challenges. This mental clarity usually leads to better decision-making and problem-solving skills, which are important in the workplace.
- Strengthened Relationships: Struggling with mental health issues can impact your relationships both at work and in your personal life. Taking time off allows you to invest in yourself and thereby improves the relationships in your life.
- Prevention of Escalation: Ignoring mental health concerns usually only makes the problem worse over time. Addressing them early and taking breaks as needed can prevent minor issues from developing into more serious conditions.
Navigating the Conversation in the Workplace
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your company’s policies regarding mental health and time off. Many organizations now offer mental health days as part of their benefits package, which is an incredible progression.
- Communication: If you’re considering taking time off for mental health, consider having an open conversation with your supervisor or HR department. Discuss your concerns and explore available options.
- Plan Ahead: If possible, plan your time off in advance to minimize disruptions in the workflow. This gives your team time to prepare and adjust to your absence.
- Be Honest and Direct: When communicating your need for time off, be honest about your reasons. You don’t have to disclose all the details but explaining that you’re taking a mental health break can help reduce any misunderstandings. As scary as it may be, being forthcoming is beneficial for both you and your employer.
- Set Boundaries: Use your time off to truly disconnect from work-related activities. Avoid checking emails or engaging in work discussions during this period. Otherwise, you are not taking full advantage of your time away, which is meant to be improving your mental health.
- Care Plan: Create a care plan for your time off; one that will allow you to relieve stress and rediscover joy. Spending time with people you love and moving your body daily are two great ways to accomplish this.
- Return Transition: As you prepare to return to work, ease back into your responsibilities gradually and with patience. Consider discussing a phased return with your supervisor to help manage the transition so that you are not immediately thrown back into stress and pressure.
What Options Exist?
Employees needing time off work for mental health reasons have several options, but the specific options will depend on their location, the company’s policies, and labor laws. Here are some common options that may be available:
- Sick Leave or Paid Time Off: Most companies offer sick leave or paid time off that can be used for mental health reasons. Check your company’s policies to see if you can use these benefits for mental health-related absences. This can provide temporary relief that will allow you to seek treatment.
- Medical Leave of Absence: In some countries, employees may be entitled to take a medical leave of absence, which can cover physical and mental health issues. This type of leave is typically protected by labor laws, and the employee may be eligible for job protection and certain benefits during their absence.
- Family and Medical Leave Act: In the United States, there are offerings like the FMLA that allow employees to take unpaid leave for medical reasons, including mental health. These laws typically provide job protection during the leave period, which is critical for many. This act provides 12 weeks off work per year and ensures that the employee will be able to come back to the same position when they return. This eliminates much of the fear that comes with taking a leave of absence.
- Disability Leave: In some cases, if a mental health condition qualifies as a disability, employees can use disability leave. This could be either short-term or long-term disability benefits, depending on the severity and duration of the condition. Typically, this is reserved for those battling a debilitating mental illness like anxiety, depression, bipolar, or schizophrenia.Â
- Alternative Work Arrangements: Some companies might be able to offer flexible work arrangements like working from home, reduced hours, or a modified schedule, to accommodate the employee’s needs. This is especially beneficial for someone dealing with a phobia or anxiety.
- Employee Assistance Programs: EAPs provide counseling and support services to employees for various personal issues, including mental health struggles. They also help with issues like substance abuse.
- Unpaid Leave of Absence: If your company does not offer specific mental health leave benefits, you might have the option to request an unpaid leave of absence. This is difficult for many as they cannot afford to take unpaid leave. FMLA or PTO are better options for those individuals.
- Vacation or Personal Days: If your company offers vacation or personal days, you might be able to use them for mental health-related time off. In many cases, this will not be sufficient if you are dealing with a severe condition.
Taking time off from work for mental health is not only acceptable but also essential in today’s fast-paced world. By recognizing the benefits of mental health breaks and navigating the conversation in the workplace effectively, we can prioritize our well-being and achieve a healthier work-life balance. As attitudes continue to evolve, we can look forward to a future where mental health is valued as highly as physical health, creating more supportive and compassionate work environments for everyone. Remember, your mental health matters, and taking care of it is a crucial step toward leading a fulfilling and successful life.
We Can Help
The key to managing mental health and substance abuse issues is finding the right treatment center and support to help in your recovery journey.
MHThrive provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any mental health or substance abuse issues, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.
Online Treatment Programs provides Teletherapy Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs allowing participants to receive intensive therapy with our licensed therapists and psychiatrists without having to leave home.  If you or someone you know is struggling to overcome depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, panic attacks, PTSD, alcoholism, drug abuse, or other mental health or addiction issues, we can help.  To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our teletherapy programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.
Keywords: Mental health; Time off from work; Work-life balance; Mental health day
References
Bjørndal, M.T., Giæver, F., Aschim, B.M. et al. Work after mental-health-related absence: a qualitative study of perceived change after a combination of metacognitive therapy and work-focused interventions. BMC Public Health 22, 2231 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-14378-0
Kim D. Does paid vacation leave protect against depression among working Americans? A national longitudinal fixed effects analysis. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2019 Jan 1;45(1):22-32. doi: 10.5271/sjweh.3751. Epub 2018 Nov 7. PMID: 30403822; PMCID: PMC7610217.