Q: I work for a company that offers sick days, but when is it appropriate to take a mental health day?
A: It’s one thing to have a cold or the flu, but what about times when you struggle with grief or loss of a loved one, anxiety or depression that keeps you paralyzed or other mental health issues? You most definitely deserve a mental health day or days to address your stress and feel better before you return to work.
Perhaps you have been working too much and long hours. You feel tired and you may be at risk of burn out. Good idea to take some days off and recharge before you return to work. If you are in counseling with a mental health professional, you should be allowed to take time out for this appointment. You are allowed to take off for a doctor or dentist appointment, so why would you not be able to take time to see a therapist?
Check with your HR department and inquire about mental health days. There are companies that do allow time off for mental health days. Perhaps your company can establish mental health days for their employees.