Treat mental health like physical health
NBC Nightly news aired a story in 2017 about a woman working for a large tech firm who messaged her boss saying she was taking two days off to focus on her mental health.
To the woman’s surprise, the CEO of the company, not her immediate boss, responded to her saying she reminded him “of the importance of using sick days for mental health,” was “an example,” and that she helped “cut through the stigma.”
The CEO also wrote, “I can’t believe this is not standard practice at all organizations.”
Is acceptance of taking mental health days standard in your organization? Should it be?
To answer that second question, consider that the Department of Health and Human Services estimated only 17 percent of the U.S. population was functioning at optimal mental health, and that was before the COVID-19 pandemic. Is there any doubt that figure has decreased?
Mental illness and substance abuse issues cost U.S. employers billions each year by reducing productivity and absenteeism, while increasing dollars spent on health care. Being accepting of the occasional mental health day could be step toward lowering those costs.
When should a person take a mental health day
According to Psychology Today, here are the three Ts of knowing when to take a mental health day:
- Treatment. When you need to take care of specific mental health issues by attending appointments with a therapist or your regular doctor. For example, if you take medication for anxiety or depression, you may need to get it adjusted occasionally.
- TCOB. When something outside of work needs addressing, and it’s distracting you to the point where you can’t focus on work, you may want to take care of business (TCOB). If you’re behind on paying your bills, taking a day off to get your finances in order could help you feel more in control. For some people, clutter makes them feel stressed and anxious, and taking a day off to clean and organize may help.
- Time. When you’ve been neglecting yourself, take some time for yourself. It’s important recharge your own batteries. Taking time to take care of yourself can help you perform your job better.
People aren’t either mentally healthy or mentally ill. Mental health is a continuum, and we all likely have room for improvement. Conversations like those sparked by that NBC Nightly News story may be key to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.
Make sure your employees know that your organization supports them taking care of themselves, in whatever form that may take.
Key to remember: Taking a mental health day occasionally could help you build mental strength and improve your mental and overall health.