Both mental and physical illnesses can be debilitating and can affect work performance, so why is there still a pressure to work while suffering with a mental illness? 

It’s very normal and acceptable to take a sick day in work or education. Especially when people are on high alert for symptoms of coronavirus. Employees are actually encouraged to take time off if they have any symptoms. Suddenly a sore throat or a head ache seems much more sinister and we are urged to stay home. This virus has taken it’s toll on everyone’s physical and mental health but it’s much less common to take a sick day for mental health problems, even though they can be just as, or even more, severe? 

We all know that our mental health is just as important as our physical health. Well we should know that! So why are people still more determined to power through work in the midst of an anxiety attack but call in sick when they have a common cold? Pride? Embarrassment? 

It’s something that people are getting much better at, talking about their mental health issues, whether it be to their friends or employers, but it can be tough to actually admit and talk openly about, let alone stay at home from work because of it. Employers legally need to take all illnesses and disabilities into consideration when it comes to their employees, but you’d wonder if some really do? Some employers are much more caring and understanding than others and it can be scary to talk to your employer about this sort of thing for fear they won’t be understanding. It can also feel like a sign of weakness. But in order to keep mentally well and on top of your performance at work, it is sometimes necessary to have a conversation with your employer and take some time off if needs be. 

I took a day off work once for mental health reasons and I was glad I did. I know that if I had gone to work that day, I would have been useless and underperformed which would have really frustrated me. However I did feel guilty and embarrassed and didn’t discuss my mental health issues with my co-workers.

I asked some of my close friends on an instagram poll, if they would call in sick to work due to mental illness, and the general consensus was that people feel too embarrassed to be upfront about their mental health problems at work. Some friends said they made up fake physical illnesses instead of admitting to their manager they were struggling mentally. Other friends said they forced themselves to go into work during a bad mental health day and couldn’t perform and had to leave work early. It seems that no one feels comfortable to openly admit that they need to take a day when mentally ill. This is definitely something we should all think about and decide what is best for us personally.

Most companies will be supportive of employees taking days off for mental health issues but it’s the stigma attached that is the real issue. My company actually gave us a “reset day” after working from home through the pandemic, as it was clear that it had been a stressful time for all of us. I think this was a brilliant idea and gave employees a chance to recharge without feeling guilty or embarrassed. 

Whether we admit it or not, there is still a stigma around mental illnesses in the workplace. It can be very tough to talk about metal health issues especially in a professional environment, but it can be even tougher to keep working and powering through really hard days mentally. It can be really beneficial to take a breather and get yourself back to full health before returning to work, just as you would do with a physical illness. Hopefully now that working from home is becoming the new normal employees can stay home on days where their mental health is bad and recharge, out of the office. 

Yesterday was ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ and it’s so important to remember that speaking about mental health issues can change lives. Being honest with your employer about your mental health can really ease the strain.