Creating Life Balance: How to Ask for Time Off Work for Mental Health

There are two media messages that constantly war for our attention: the concept of creating work/life balance for fulfillment and the idea of following the hustle or grind culture. With the latter strongly supported by our money-driven society, it's hardly surprising that many of us find it difficult to commit to self-care, or to focus on our own mental health.

However, studies show that we actually work better when we take the time to create balance in our life. In this article, we'll share some signs that you may need some mental health leave, share tips for asking for time off from your employer, and offer strategies to make the best use of your mental health leave of absence.

Recognizing the Need for a Break

When we are engaged in a fast-paced work environment, it can be difficult to notice that we are working to the point of burnout. Take a few minutes to sit down and answer honestly whether you notice any of the following challenges.

Signs of Burnout and Distress

• Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, or digestive issues
• Struggling to focus or make decisions
• Feeling anxious or depressed
• A lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy

Identifying mental health issues can also be important. Sometimes symptoms of stress can develop into a full-blown mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression. Consider whether your feelings are beginning to interfere with work or home life. Do you drink or take other substances to manage stress?

Is frustration, lack of interest, or anxiety affecting your personal relationships? If so, it can be helpful to meet with a psychologist who can diagnose a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

Understanding Your Rights

Next, you need to know what you are owed by your employer. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitlement allows eligibility for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave, including coverage for mental health conditions. Understanding employer obligations under FMLA is your first step in advocating for yourself.

Finding an Ally in Your Human Resources Department

One of the many roles of HR is supporting mental health leave. They should be able to offer resources and guidance on obtaining mental health leave, as well as offering confidentiality and privacy protections for employees.

Preparing for the Conversation

When crafting your request for mental health leave, make sure you do your research. Be ready to share how mental health affects work performance, and explain the need for a mental health break to prevent burnout and poor professional outcomes. Bring the receipts (references to published studies) and be ready to answer any questions.

Next, propose a detailed plan for leave, including the date you plan to return to work.

Gathering Resources and Documentation

Before speaking to your employer, obtain a doctor’s note or medical certification from your healthcare provider that a mental health leave of absence will be beneficial to well-being. Collect all evidence of therapy and your mental health treatment plan, and prepare a plan for ongoing mental health care, even after you return to work.

Asking for Time Off

Now that you have prepared, it's time to meet with your human resources department. Schedule a meeting with your HR department to discuss mental health leave of absence, having ready the documentation from your healthcare provider. Be open and honest about your mental health issues and concerns. Because of stigma, it can be difficult to discuss mental illness, but the Family and Medical Leave Act was created to give those experiencing mental health conditions the ability to schedule a health leave of absence under federal law.

Discuss with your HR representative your options for leave, as well as a plan for your return to work after your mental health leave of absence. They may be able to work with eligible employees by using a combination of personal days, unpaid leave, paid time off, and vacation time to give you a true stress leave of absence that can truly help. What you may personally need can vary depending on life circumstance, and anywhere from one week to several weeks may be helpful.

During and After Your Leave

It's important to make the most of your mental health leave. When on mental health leave of absence, focus on self-care and recovery, as well as on physical health. Work closely with your mental health provider to ensure you are doing what you need to do to get the health benefits of this mental break.

Some mental health practices that offer both mental and physical health benefits include:

• Relaxation techniques and stress management exercises like deep breathing or meditation
• Regular enjoyable exercise
• Getting outside in nature
• Taking time to journal
• Meeting with your mental healthcare professional
• Look into support groups for workplace stress
• Examining your workplace habits and working to find healthier alternative practices

Returning to Work After a Mental Health Leave

When coming back to work after a health leave of absence for mental health concerns or a serious health condition, it's important to gradually return to work duties. It's no good returning to the office after a mental health leave of absence and then immediately jumping back into the lifestyle that brought you to the point of burnout to begin with.

Communicate with your employer and your colleagues about any needs or limitations. See about working in a hybrid setting if possible, working from home certain days of the week. Overall, prioritize ongoing mental health care and support in both your professional and personal life.

Taking Control of Your Mental Health at Work

Recognizing the importance of mental health in the workplace can be essential for many people who have poor work life balance. Ignoring warning signs can lead to exacerbating a mental health condition, using substance abuse as a maladaptive coping skill, or even physical health issues that can lead to medical leave. Prioritize your mental well-being and health, and advocate for a healthy work environment that offers support for mental health concerns.

Supporting Mental Health Leave of Absence in Brooklyn

If you have been thinking about a few weeks of mental health leave and wonder about your eligibility criteria, talking to a mental healthcare provider can be an excellent place to start.

At Williamsburg Therapy Group, our team of doctoral-level Brooklyn psychotherapists offer diagnosis and evidence-based treatments for mental health conditions, and understands the issues that work stress can create.

Give us a call today, and our patient coordinator will help you find the therapist that can offer tools and strategies for your mental health leave of absence, as well as any necessary documentation you require for health insurance, your HR department, or anyone else who may need it according to your employer's policy.