Just like so many people with anxiety and depression disorders, I can get easily overwhelmed and run down. I push myself to keep going, but ever now and then I just can't. I end up calling in sick and staying home most of the day. But I work for my father who is not always forgiving when I am sick. I end up with a double helping of guilt. One, because I am not physically sick, and two because I have now lied to my father about why I am not coming in.
Do other you take mental health days? Do you feel guiltily when you take a day off work to rest your mind and not your body? Do you think people with mental illness should be allowed to take sick days to rest or deal with their depression, just like people with physical illnesses do?
Yes, yes and yes. I did take mental health days when I was working. My depression comes with a lot of physical symptoms as well, however, so there were times I didn't realize that what i really needed was some quite reflection and rest for my body. Sometimes I can only do that by sleeping it off. I do believe that just like with any other struggle or illness that these days are "sick days". They are for the benefit of healing just like when you break a leg or have the flu. It is very important for our ongoing maintained health that we take these days for ourselves. We want to keep working and functioning the best we can and in order to do that and keep anxiety and depression at bay we must recharge and renew. Our parents are especially hard on us. They want the best for us plus...well they are family. Family can really be our worst critics. They say it how they really feel and it can be hurtful and cold. It is hard for anyone to understand something that isn't visible. Your father doesn't see that you have a gash on your forehead or any other injury so for him to understand your internal struggle might be too much to ask. I have family members like this too. Even though our suffering isn't visual and out in the open it is REAL and deserves our attention. You take the time you need to heal and you will see you are better to answer question about why you needed that time when you return to work. Sending you a hug. my best.
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