Taking a Leave of Absence Due to Mental Health is Sometimes the Best Choice
In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to get caught up in the daily grind and lose sight of our mental health needs. We feel the pressure to be constantly productive and on-call, resulting in high stress levels, burnout and mental health issues.
Taking a leave of absence from work due to mental health concerns seems like a daunting and shameful decision, but it can be the best possible choice for our wellbeing in the long run. Mental health is as important as physical health, and it cannot be ignored. Here are some reasons why taking a leave of absence might be the best course of action:
1. It helps to prioritize your mental health
Taking a leave of absence gives you the time and space to focus on your mental health. It provides an opportunity to attend therapy sessions, explore different treatment options, and prioritize self-care. It is pertinent to prioritize your mental health as it impacts every aspect of your life and can lead to significant consequences if ignored.
2. It helps prevent burnout
Most people push themselves to work harder and longer, leading to burnout. Burnout is a state of chronic stress leading to physical and emotional exhaustion, detachment and feelings of ineffectiveness. Taking time off work can help prevent burnout and assist in reducing stress levels significantly.
3. It encourages personal growth
A leave of absence due to mental health concerns can lead to self-discovery and personal growth. This opportunity gives us time to reflect, re-evaluate our goals and priorities, identify our strengths and weaknesses and set new personal standards for ourselves.
4. It helps to destigmatize mental health concerns
Talking openly about mental health concerns is still stigmatised in many workplaces. The choice to take a leave of absence openly and unapologetically can break down these stigmas and encourage other employees to prioritize their mental health.
In conclusion, a leave of absence due to mental health concerns might feel like a career limiting move, but it is not. It can be the best choice you make for your mental health, wellbeing and personal growth. Employers increasingly consider employee wellbeing as a top priority the same way as they consider the business growth. Organizations should establish polices that support and accommodates mental health leaves of absence; this will create a safe space for employees that enables them to prioritize their wellness.
Remember, mental health needs attention, and taking care of it is a sign of strength and self-awareness. It’s okay to prioritize your mental health. Take a break when needed.
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