When you’re coughing up a lung or shivering in blankets due to a high fever, you usually don’t question taking time off work. Why are we less confident when it comes to looking after our mental health? Taking a mental health day from time to time, to break away from daily stressors and provide your emotional and psychological health some TLC is just as important.

Mental illnesses may impact your ability to optimally function at work. Your ability to concentrate, communicate effectively and interact with others is influenced by your state of mind.

Here are some clues that it’s time to give your brain a break:

· You can’t focus – There’s a lot going on and you can’t seem to keep track of it all.

· You’re feeling down – Irritability and loss of interest could mean you’re depressed.

· You keep getting sick – Recurring colds signal that your body needs to slow down.

· You feel disconnected – Are you withdrawing from loved ones due to growing demands at work?

Can you relate to one or more of the above? If you answered yes, you may need a mental health day!

According to Employment and Social Development Canada, one in five Canadians experiences a mental health problem or mental illness each year. A psychologically healthy workplace should be a respectful and productive environment that makes every reasonable effort to promote and protect the mental health of employees. Employers are responsible for protecting the health and safety of their employees.

Taking a day off to recharge can reset your perspective, as well as allow your body and mind to rest. You may be worried about what to tell your manager. Although you might feel it’s simply easier to call in sick, it’s likely a good idea to let them know the truth, especially if there are ongoing mental issues.

You’re not alone!

There are several resources available to help:

Canadian Mental Health Association – promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness.

Mood Disorders Society of Canada - provides people with mood disorders with a strong, cohesive voice at the national level.

Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada - promotes the prevention, treatment, and management of anxiety disorders and to improve the lives of people who suffer from them.

Mental Health Commission of Canada - helps improve mental health and well-being for all people living in Canada and to create a mental health system that meets the needs of people of all ages living with mental health problems and illnesses and their families.

Written by Avanti Women Member and Volunteer Blogger, Nikolina Kvesic