Should I say I need a mental health day?

You aren't obligated to tell your employer that you're taking a mental health day if you don't feel comfortable sharing that information. Instead, you can give the same reason that you normally use when you take a sick day.


How do I tell my boss I need a mental health day?

How to Request a Mental Health Day
  1. Plan What You're Going To Say. It seems like an obvious tip, but in the moment, if you're nervous about what you're asking for, any preparation you've done will come in clutch. ...
  2. Keep It Simple. ...
  3. Ask in Advance. ...
  4. Don't Explain Yourself.


Is it OK to ask for a day off for mental health?

If you're feeling burned out, it could be time to ask your boss for a mental health day. It's important to remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so asking for a mental health day doesn't have to be any different than asking for a regular sick day.


How do I tell someone I need a mental health day?

  1. Don't Say More Than You Need To. ...
  2. Keep It Short. ...
  3. Be Direct. ...
  4. Ask as Soon as You Can. ...
  5. Practice What You're Going to Say. ...
  6. Write Out a List of Reasons Why You Need Your Mental Health Day. ...
  7. Think of Possible Reactions and Have Responses Ready. ...
  8. You Don't Have to Say It's for Mental Health.


Is it OK to take mental health days from work?

It's OK to need to take a day off here and there to decompress and to regroup ourselves and to do so without judgement. The judgement part will lessen with more awareness to mental health, which will continue to take time but you can start with yourself. Allowing yourself to take that day off for some self-care.


Call it what you will, more people are taking mental health days



Can I get fired for taking a mental health day?

No. It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you simply because you have a mental health condition. This includes firing you, rejecting you for a job or promotion, or forcing you to take leave.

Is a mental health day considered a sick day?

The term “mental health day” typically refers to taking a day off of work or school to focus on your emotional wellness. It's similar to a traditional sick day, except that you don't need to have a physical illness or injury to use it.

What is a polite way to say mental illness?

These may include mental health problems, mental disorder, mental health condition and psychiatric disability. These different terms may refer to the extent of their condition and whether it has been formally diagnosed.


How do you say mental health sick day?

'A brief and consistent narrative will help you,' suggests Walker. 'You might say something like, 'I took time off for health [or personal] reasons, but things are fine now and I'm happy to be back to work. ' '

How do you politely ask about mental health?

Expressing concern to a friend about his or her mental well-being can take courage. It also takes empathy.
...
Now What?
  1. How can I help?
  2. I care about you. ...
  3. I'm concerned about you, but I'm not sure what to do. ...
  4. May I help you find someone who can help?
  5. May I call you tomorrow? (Next week, etc.)


Is it weak to take a mental health day?

If you wake up and feel especially stressed, down, or anxious — at a level that impairs your functioning — it's time to consider taking the day off. Of course, sometimes you just feel unexplainably “off.” It's OK to take the day to yourself then, too. Use your personal judgement and listen to your mind and body.


How do you tell your boss you're struggling mentally?

Talking about your mental health doesn't need to be scary or over-complicated, you can start the conversation by simply saying, “I need to get something off my chest” or “I need to talk, do you have time to listen?” Just remember to tell your boss only what is necessary.

Should I tell my boss Im struggling mentally?

While you don't have to talk about topics that feel too personal, you can always assure your manager that you have resources in place to support you outside of work (if this is true). That way, they understand that it's not their job to be your counselor or therapist.

When should you take a mental health day at work?

Here are some common signs that you may need a mental health day:
  • You've lost your motivation and ability to focus at work.
  • 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.


Can I call in sick for anxiety?

“There is no legal difference between taking a day off for mental health problems and calling in sick with a physical illness or injury,” notes Susie.

Is stress a good reason to call in sick?

Employers need to do much more to help employees feel comfortable in coming forward when they are experiencing stress-related worries or mental health problems. Stress SHOULD be a perfectly acceptable reason to take time off work if it is affecting wellbeing.

Is it OK to say mentally ill?

Don't use: “Mentally ill person” or “Person who is mentally ill” People with mental health issues have far more sides to them than their mental illnesses. To accept someone as a person first is not only more respectful, but honors the many other parts to them outside of their diagnosis.


What not to say to a mentally ill person?

10 things not to say to someone with a mental illness
  1. “It's all in your head.” ...
  2. “Come on, things could be worse!” ...
  3. “Snap out of it!” ...
  4. “But you have a great life, you always seem so happy!” ...
  5. “Have you tried chamomile tea?” ...
  6. “Everyone is a little down/moody/OCD sometimes – it's normal.” ...
  7. “This too shall pass.”


How do I tell someone I have a mental illness?

How to start a conversation about mental health
  1. Find a communication mode you're most comfortable with. You might find it easier to pen down your words in a letter. ...
  2. Find a suitable time and place. ...
  3. Practice or write out what you want to say. ...
  4. Let them know what kind of help you think you need. ...
  5. Be honest throughout.


How many mental health days are appropriate?

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.


Can your boss deny a mental health day?

"If you're not in a supportive environment, if you do disclose a mental health problem it can be really harmful to you." Despite the stigma, she says employers are legally required to protect the health and safety of those at work - and this includes mental health problem if it affects a person's day-to-day life.

Is depression a reason to miss work?

Yes. Clinical depression is sometimes considered a disability under the ADA, although not everyone living with the condition qualifies for this protection.

Is it OK to tell your boss you're unhappy?

Be open and honest

Having a transparent conversation with your boss is the first step in getting an issue resolved. Among the top reasons are limited growth opportunities within the company and dissatisfaction with pay.


How do you tell work you cant come in because of mental health?

Here's what he said you should do if you find yourself in this situation.
  1. Remember it's no different to reporting a physical health problem. ...
  2. Write down what you're feeling. ...
  3. Focus on your productivity and ability to do your job. ...
  4. It's up to you how much you want to disclose. ...
  5. Don't sweat about the so-called stigma.


How do you tell your boss you are feeling overwhelmed?

How to tell your boss your work is overwhelming
  1. Schedule a meeting with your boss. ...
  2. Prepare what you are going to say. ...
  3. Provide specific examples. ...
  4. Focus on your work experience. ...
  5. Offer thoughtful solutions. ...
  6. Offer to help in smaller ways. ...
  7. Consider your goals. ...
  8. Remain calm.