When It’s Ok to Take a Mental Health Day

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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