Contents
You may have seen the recent news story about an employee who was fired for calling in sick with “mental health.” Here’s how to call in sick with mental health without getting fired.
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Introduction
If you are struggling with your mental health, there may be times when you need to take some time off work. However, figuring out how to call in sick can be tricky. You might feel like you need to lie about your symptoms or downplay how much you are struggling.
Here are some tips for how to call in sick with mental health:
-Be honest with your boss: It is important to be honest with your boss about why you need to take a sick day. If you are comfortable doing so, explain that you are struggling with your mental health and need some time to rest and recover.
-Make a plan for when you return: If possible, make a plan with your boss for what needs to be done when you return from your sick day. This will help ease any anxiety about taking time off.
-Take care of yourself: Be sure to focus on taking care of yourself while you are out sick. This means resting, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep.
The Importance of Calling in Sick
It’s important to call in sick when you have a mental health issue for a few reasons. First, it helps you feel better. When you’re struggling with your mental health, the last thing you want to do is go to work. Maybe you’re feeling anxious and going to work will make your anxiety worse. Maybe you’re depressed and the thought of going to work feels insurmountable. But lying in bed all day is also not the answer. Getting out of bed, taking a shower, and getting dressed can be hard when you’re struggling with your mental health, but it can help you feel better.
Second, it helps reduce the stigma around mental illness. The more people who are open about their mental illness, the more we can normalize it. When people see that even successful, high-functioning people struggle with mental illness, it helps break down the barriers that keep people from seeking help.
Third, it shows your employer that you take your job seriously. If you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s important to show your employer that you’re still committed to doing your job, even if it’s not 100%.
Fourth, it gives you time to rest and take care of yourself. When you’re struggling with your mental health, self-care is essential. This might mean going for a walk, taking a bath, reading a book, or anything else that makes you feel good.
Finally, it sets a precedent for future mental health days If you need to take a mental health day in the future, it will be easier to do so if you’ve already taken one in the past.
How to Call in Sick
When you have a mental health issue, it can be tough to decide whether or not to call in sick. You may feel like you’re not sick enough, or that your employer won’t understand.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the decision:
Your mental health comes first. If going into work will make your symptoms worse, it’s probably better to stay home.
Be honest with yourself about how you’re feeling. If you’re barely hanging on, it’s probably not the best day to try to push through.
Think about what you need in order to feel better. If you need some time to yourself, it’s okay to say so.
Talk to your supervisor ahead of time, if possible. This way, they know what’s going on and can plan accordingly.
If you decide to call in sick, be as specific as possible about why you’re not coming in. “I’m not feeling well” is okay, but if you can give more information, it will help your employer plan for your absence.
Remember that taking care of your mental health is important. If calling in sick is what you need to do in order to take care of yourself, don’t hesitate to do so.
When to Call in Sick
There is no easy answer to this question. It depends on a variety of factors, including your mental health diagnosis, your job, your support system, and your personal preferences.
If you have a mental health diagnosis, you may want to talk to your therapist or doctor about whether or not it is a good idea for you to take a mental health day They can give you guidance based on your specific situation.
If you do not have a mental health diagnosis, you may still want to consider taking a mental health day if you are feeling particularly overwhelmed or stressed. If you are having difficulty functioning at work or in your personal life, it may be a good idea to take some time off.
Your job will also play a role in whether or not it is a good idea for you to call in sick. If your job is very demanding and/or does not offer much flexibility, it may not be the best environment for you to take a mental health day. On the other hand, if your job is less demanding and/or offers more flexibility, it may be easier for you to take a mental health day.
Your support system will also be important in deciding whether or not to call in sick. If you have a supportive family and/or friends, they can help take care of things while you are out. However, if you do not have a supportive network, it may be more difficult for you to take a mental health day.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to call in sick with mental health should be based on what is best for you. If you are feeling particularly overwhelmed or stressed, it may be a good idea to take some time off from work. However, if taking a day off would put undue stress on your personal life or job, it may not be the best option for you.
After Calling in Sick
Once you have called in sick, there are a few things you should do to make the most of your day off and to ensure a speedy recovery. First, if possible, stay in bed for at least the first hour or two. This will help your body recuperate and will give you time to rest. If you must get up, do so slowly and carefully to avoid dizziness or lightheadedness. Drink plenty of fluids, preferably warm or hot liquids like tea or soup, to soothe your throat and sinuses and speed up the healing process. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you and make your symptoms worse. Instead, focus on staying hydrated by drinking water or juice throughout the day. Take any medication prescribed by your doctor, and consider over-the-counter options like ibuprofen to help with pain relief. Lastly, eat healthy foods and get plenty of rest to help your body recover from illness.
Returning to Work
It can be difficult to return to work after an absence due to mental health, but there are some things you can do to make the transition easier. Talk to your employer about your return and agree on a date that works for both of you. If possible, ease back into work with a reduced schedule or flexible hours. Let your employer know if you’re feeling overwhelmed or like you’re not ready to return to full-time work. Be honest about what you need and ask for their support.
Support
The way you support someone experiencing a mental health issue can make a big difference to their recovery.
If you’re worried about someone, the best thing you can do is talk to them about how they’re feeling. This can be a difficult conversation to have, but it’s important to let them know that you’re there for them and that you’re willing to support them through whatever they’re going through.
If the person you’re worried about is in crisis and needs urgent help, there are a number of helplines and support services available that can provide immediate assistance.
FAQ
It’s OK to call in sick with mental health – in fact, it’s encouraged!
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and taking a day off to care for your mental health is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it’s actually quite common: 1 in 5 Americans struggles with mental illness in any given year.
There are a few things you should keep in mind if you’re considering calling in sick with mental health. First, be honest with yourself about whether or not you’re truly too ill to work. If you can push through, it might be better to do so. But if you’re truly feeling too overwhelmed or sick to function, then calling in is the best option.
Next, make sure you have a good reason for calling in. Mental illness is a valid reason to miss work, but your boss might not see it that way unless you explain why you’re really struggling. Again, be honest and open about what’s going on and why you need a day off.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your employer. Many companies have Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer confidential counseling and support for employees dealing with mental health issues. If your company doesn’t have an EAP, see if there are any other resources available, such as paid time off for doctor’s appointments or flexible work arrangements.
Bottom line: it’s OK to call in sick with mental health! Just make sure you’re honest about why you need the day off and explore all of your options before making a decision.
Resources
When you are feeling mentally sick, the last thing you want to do is speak to your boss. You may feel anxious, embarrassed, or ashamed. You may worry that speaking up will jeopardize your job.
It is important to remember that your boss wants you to be healthy and productive. In most cases, they will be understanding if you need to take some time off.
Here are some resources to help you make the call:
-Mental Health America: How to Talk to Your Boss About Taking a Mental Health Day
-NAMI: 7 Steps for Calling in Sick When You Have a Mental Illness
-Psychology Today: How to Call in Sick When You’re Depressed
Conclusion
Sick days are important. They give you time to rest and recover from being ill. But what if you’re not physically sick? What if you’re struggling with your mental health?
It can be difficult to take a day off for mental health, because there’s often a stigma attached to it. You might feel like you’re not really “sick” or that you should be able to “just power through.” But mental health days are just as important as physical health days.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, here are some tips for calling in sick:
-Be honest with yourself and your employer. If you’re not feeling well, it’s okay to stay home.
-Don’t feel guilty. You deserve to take care of yourself, both mentally and physically.
-Create a plan. Before you call in sick, have a plan for how you’ll use your day off. Whether it’s resting, seeing a therapist, or taking a mental health day just for yourself, make sure you have a plan so that you can maximize your time off.
