When and How to Effectively Take a Mental Health Day
Mental health is of vital importance to you. It is worth making time for. It is evolving and complex. It is affecting us and our everyday lives. It is part of you. And, it is real. Mental health is not a sign of weakness, nor is it “all in your mind.” It is not shameful, nor something we should start looking at only when it gets broken. How we feel and think is central to the way we live our lives. Just like our physical health, our mental health can have ups and downs.
Reducing mental health stigmas is imperative. The harmful impacts of mental health stereotypes increase feelings of self doubt and overall reluctance to seek treatment and help from others. In an ideal world, asking for a mental health day would be simple. But because of the stigma surrounding mental illness, it is complicated and risky.
To successfully eradicate stereotypes attached to the negative perception of mental health, it is crucial to educate yourself about mental illness. It is equally critical to listen to others and to support one another with mental health concerns, and to share stories of overcoming mental health disorders.
Mental health scrutinization continuously plague our world and dictate when it is socially acceptable to perform acts of self-care.Vocalizing your experiences and valuing your voice and self-worth can overcome these stigmas. Don’t ever hesitate to take a mental health day. Just like you'd treat any sick day, do things that make you feel better. On your mental health day, focus completely on yourself.
When taking a mental health day, a simple email or call to your professor or employer is perfect. Always be in the mindset that you are deserving of taking care of your well-being. Your mental health is sacred and it is always worthy of being recognized. If personal issues are impeding on your professional life, we at The Edge believe that it is smart to reach out and vocalize your concerns.
It is illegal for an employer or a professor to discriminate against you simply because you have a mental health condition. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, if you have a qualifying condition like post-traumatic stress disorder or depression, you have a legal right to a reasonable accommodation that would help you do your job or go forward in your academic studies.
Each year, approximately 44 million American adults will experience a serious mental health condition, based on research conducted by Christian Mental Health Services. Less than half will seek treatment due to stigma and discrimination. You are not alone. Now more than ever, we need to find ways to stay connected with our community. No one should feel alone or without the information, support, and help they need.