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Mental Illness in the Workplace

Did you know that there’s something more terrifying than the pandemic affecting the world’s economy? It’s a lot closer to home, too. It’s mental illness.

That’s right. Mental illness is making the global economy suffer. Depression and anxiety, the top two culprits, are costing an estimated $1 trillion per year in lost productivity, predicted to be much higher by the time we reach the 2030s. 

In the US alone, one in five adults suffer from mental illness in any given year. These are working adults who can be productive. Yet, they are struggling with their mental health.

You may have heard these numbers before. Mental illness has become a threat to companies. Many of them are facing demands to treat mental illness seriously. Ignoring the problem can be costlier for them.

Find out what the picture is like for mental illness in the workplace. Also, discover how you can manage this problem at work.

Causes of Mental Illness in the Workplace

You can blame excessive stress as the number one cause of mental illness at work. Consider the stress triggers:

  • Unrealistic deadlines
  • Long working hours
  • Heavy workloads
  • Poor working conditions
  • Job insecurity
  • Lack of control
  • Poor balance between work and life
  • (Socially) toxic working environment

The list goes on. Added to these problems is the lack of support from the management (i.e., your supervisor, team leader, company heads—everyone at the top), which creates a further negative impact.

Meanwhile, during the pandemic, working styles have changed. Workers grappled with isolation and blurred boundary lines when working from home was the norm. Zoom fatigue was a complaint among many employees.

Things are returning to normal now, but the effects of those days in quarantine can still be felt.

With companies now using a hybrid system, workers’ problems don’t automatically disappear.

If companies are still giving their employees unreasonable demands and no guarantees over their job security, mental illness will remain. It’s time for companies and employers to realize how important it is to create a healthier working environment for their workers.

How It Affects Employees

Mental health concerns, including illness, affect employees in different ways. But there’s more to it than just reduced productivity.

Lowered concentration

Many employees struggling with mental health are often overwhelmed. Their loss of focus usually results in poor work results. If their quality of work suffers, their career might be stunted. And then this will cause them even more stress.

Emotional instability

Mental health disorders often cause mood swings and irritability. A change in their attitude will affect relationships with clients and colleagues alike. It will lead to tension and awkward situations. And their job performance as a whole is put to the test.

Physical illness

Let’s not forget the aches and general tiredness that follow employees’ mental struggles. Their poor feelings may manifest physically, resulting in increased sick leaves. If unchecked, this can potentially lead to absenteeism, another challenge in productivity.

Managing Mental Health Challenges at Work

Efforts to manage different mental health conditions at work are still ongoing. Some companies have started to address the problem, but we still have far to go. Companies can do much more to lift the burden, like reviewing mental health policies and increasing awareness.

While it may take further effort to improve the situation for all involved, as an employee, here’s what you can do:

  1. Start talking and lose the stigma. Talking about mental health problems openly will help eliminate the stigma. Employees of all levels (including the upper management) should be open to this discussion. If no one assigns blame for poor performance but instead talks about it to find out if the employee is struggling mentally, working conditions will improve overall.
  2. Make use of company resources. Never hesitate to use any resources your company offers. Whether it’s sponsored counseling or an Employee Assistance Program, take the chance to get help addressing mental health conditions. They are there to help all employees.
  3. Take a mental health day. You can call in sick from work to treat your mental disorder (as an employee, you do have the right). Or, you can negotiate a different schedule just to destress or get treatment.

Talk to NeuroSpa about Your Mental Health Challenges

If your workplace is the cause of your anxiety, severe depression, or other mental health conditions, NeuroSpa is ready to set you on a path to recovery and ongoing management.

With various treatments for concerns about stress and depression symptoms, we can restore your work-life balance. For instance, talk therapy and supplemental medicine can aid your mental well-being to boost your career development.

Book an appointment with NeuroSpa and discover what treatments are available to you.

Are you in Crisis?

In times of crisis, your safety and well-being are of utmost importance. If you or someone you know is struggling with active thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please remember that help is available. Reach out to emergency services immediately by dialing 911, or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) for compassionate support, guidance, and resources. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people who care and want to help you through this difficult time.

Why Neurospa is the Best Choice for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatment

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses a magnetic field to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. This treatment has been found to be effective in treating a variety of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

Read more

Working From Home as a Cause for Depression

Working from home has become increasingly popular since the COVID-19 crisis. Technological advancements have provided greater access to remote work, and lifestyle changes have given more people the opportunity to work from home.

The mental health impact can range significantly in intensity. Everyone’s experience will be different. Stress levels will vary depending on individual criteria, including factors such as:

  • Personal relationships with colleagues
  • Workload management styles & capabilities
  • Comfort levels when using technology for communication

How Does Working From Home Trigger Depression

Mental health can be a tricky subject to address due to its complexity. Working from home presents unique challenges, including increased workloads, daily routine changes, and isolation.

According to studies conducted by BMC Public Health, most people working from home struggle with adverse effects on their mental well-being because of factors such as decreased social contact and increased stress.

Another factor that contributes to mental health issues when working from home is pre existing emotional or psychological conditions. Individuals living with diagnosable mental health disorders or symptoms of depression may find it challenging to separate work life from personal life when they are home all day.

Trying to “turn off” work thoughts after having moved between bed and desk all day can be tiring and cause feelings of hopelessness, which fuels anxiety working from home.

Furthermore, a lack of structure at home can make it more difficult for individuals with mental illness to keep up their routines – making caring for one’s well-being even more challenging.

Impact on Social Life

The importance of social support in the workplace cannot be overstated. Without it, employees can suffer from social isolation and depressive symptoms, therefore decreasing productivity and morale.

An effective way to promote social support is by prioritizing a work environment that encourages employees to engage with one another, both in-person and virtually, without feeling pressured or overwhelmed.

Eating Habits

Working remotely has changed the lives of many people, including the way we work and function daily. The ability to stay home more and move from room to room can be great for some, but it also opens up opportunities for unhealthy eating habits that may lead to weight gain.

Physical Activity

Though studies show that most people do not report an overall change in their food intake, many people working from home neglect physical activity. Companies should take part in developing at-home exercise routines or virtual fitness classes that everyone can access. Incorporating these lifestyle changes into everyday life will make it easier for remote workers to maintain a healthy balance in their lives.

The Boundary Between Work and Home

The lack of a dedicated workspace and the struggle to separate work life from home is an increasing problem today. Remote workers often fall into the trap of going well over their hours, unable to take moments away from their computer or home office.

This is further exacerbated by increased technological connectivity, which means employees can respond to phone calls, emails, and other requests well after the typical workday.

Those who aren’t physically in the office can often feel disconnected from team dynamics, prompting them to extend their work hours even further. This leads many down a dangerous path that could result in professional burnout, fatigue, or stress-related health problems.

How NeuroSpa Can Help

At NeuroSpa, our healthcare professionals are prepared to assist you with any mental health condition you may be experiencing, whether it be depression, anxiety, or even PTSD.

We pride ourselves on being Tampa’s premier mental health center, and as such, we provide a comprehensive selection of treatment options, including TMS therapy, Ketamine therapy, talk therapy, medication management, and many more.

Each individual seeking care at our facility is provided with a treatment strategy tailored specifically to meet their needs. If you believe you’ve been suffering from depression, don’t wait any longer – reach out for the help that you deserve.

Book a free consultation today.

Signs You Are Experiencing Depression vs. A Midlife Crisis

Aging is a process that can sometimes feel uncomfortable while we go through profound, abrupt changes throughout our lives. A midlife crisis isn’t a psychological disorder per se, but it’s still an uncomfortable period of transition between 40 and 55, although there’s some variability in the timing of midlife crises. Men and women experience midlife crises somewhat differently.

Read more

How to Talk to Your Boss About Mental Health

Talking about mental health can be difficult, even with your friends and family. Approaching this sensitive topic can feel even more overwhelming when speaking with your employer.

Even so, it can be important to talk about mental health at work in an honest and open way, no matter how hard it may feel at times.

With the right approach, you can talk to your boss about your mental health and find solutions that work for both of you.

Below are a few tips on how to talk to your boss about mental health.

Prepare for the Conversation

Being prepared will make an open and honest conversation about mental health with your employer less stressful. Before you meet with your boss, make sure you identify your needs and decide when and where to have the conversation.

Many people find it helpful to practice the conversation with family members, therapists, or friends. This can give you the confidence to discuss your needs with your employer.

Identify your needs

Having a specific understanding of your needs will make the conversation more productive. Consider what changes or reasonable accommodations you need to manage your mental health and how they could help you perform better at work.

Choose a time and place

When deciding where to have the conversation, consider choosing a private and comfortable location.

Avoid having the conversation in a public or busy area where you may be interrupted or feel uncomfortable.

Also, choose a space where you feel safe so you can speak freely about what you need and how you’re feeling.

Collect information

Gathering information and resources can also help prepare you for the conversation.

This can include medical documentation, information about mental health laws and employee rights, and tips for having productive and positive conversations about mental health.

Tips for Having the Conversation

Here are three tips for having a successful conversation with your employer about mental health issues:

Be open and honest

Explain how your mental health conditions are affecting your work and how accommodations will make you more effective. Starting with your workplace experience can help create a more collaborative environment.

Also, remember that your boss may not be aware of your mental health condition, so you need to be completely honest to give them an opportunity to understand your situation.

Be specific

When you speak to your employer, focus on explaining exactly what they can do for you.

Be ready to share what kind of support you need from your employer and what you hope to achieve through the conversation. This can help your employer understand your needs and find solutions that work for both of you.

For instance, you may simply need a flexible schedule to make room for therapy appointments. Or you may hope to switch to remote work, which can reduce stress levels and improve work-life balance.

You could also ask your boss to make the workplace safe and supportive by encouraging open conversations about mental health and making mental health awareness a part of the company’s culture.

Work with your employer to find solutions

Be flexible and open to your employer’s ideas while you’re suggesting practical ways to meet your needs. There may be complications your employer has to consider that you have not thought about yet.

When speaking to your employer, listen to their concerns and work together to find solutions that work for both of you.

Finally, you should also agree on a follow-up plan to monitor progress and be ready to make adjustments if certain elements of the plan aren’t working out.

How NeuroSpa Can Help

NeuroSpa offers a wide range of services to help you manage your mental health condition. At NeuroSpa, our medical professionals offer talk therapy, psychiatric care, and other services, with treatment plans tailored to your unique mental health concerns.

With NeuroSpa, you can start getting the treatment you need in as little as 72 hours. We can also advise you on how to approach your boss about mental health issues in order to find a solution that works for you.

Check out NeuroSpa today and learn more about our mental health services to start your journey toward mental well-being.

This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.

How Bipolar Mood Swings Can Affect Work

We’ve all experienced mood swings before. Some days we feel great, while on others, we feel miserable. Our mood can affect both our home and work performance.

Though, people living with bipolar disorder experience a more severe level of highs and lows that aren’t necessarily comparable to the mood swings of an average person. 

Radical mood swings related to bipolar disorder can affect your productivity and personal well-being, therefore impacting your ability to work. 

We’ll look into bipolar symptoms and consider some treatment plans to combat this lifelong condition and get you back to being a productive and happy worker.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

People who suffer from bipolar disorder are often described as having mood swings. These mood swings include periods of elated moods (also known as “mania”) followed by extremely negative moods (also known as “depression”). 

High energy levels, erratic sleeping, and feelings of euphoria mark manic episodes.

Meanwhile, depressive episodes are characterized by lethargy, apathy, and feelings of extreme sadness.

Bipolar Disorder and Work Challenges

People with bipolar disorder face unique problems in the workplace. Co-workers and bosses, on the whole, often don’t understand the condition’s effects.

However, many people with bipolar disorder manage it well enough to hold jobs.

Though, the effects of this mental health condition can have a detrimental impact on daily life if necessary treatment isn’t provided. 

Intervention is often necessary to improve a daily life that is often influenced by shifts in mood.

Managing bipolar at work

People experiencing bipolar disorder symptoms must plan their work carefully and with attention to detail. Here are some tips for managing bipolar disorder symptoms at work.

1. Know your bipolar symptoms

Learn what you experience during manic episodes and how to recognize the warning signs of depressive symptoms.

2. Keep up with medication

Maintain consistent medication levels throughout the day. If you miss doses, you risk mood swings and side effects that may impact your ability to work productively.

3. Stay organized

You can avoid stressful events by organizing your work life.

For example, focus on one task before moving to another one. Making a checklist is also recommended for those suffering from bipolar disorder.

As you complete each task, you will feel a sense of accomplishment. After that, focus on the next assignment.

Bipolar Disorder and Your Work Schedule

Many people with bipolar disorder seek out flexible work environments where they can adjust their schedule according to their mood swings.

Though, a regular schedule promotes order and stability and is more highly recommended for those suffering from bipolar disorder. When you know what to expect from day to day, it makes it easier to plan ahead and avoid stress.

Irregular working conditions can disrupt your mood and therefore negatively impact your ability to work.

The Need for Transparency at Work With Your Bipolar Disorder

Many people with bipolar disorder are like everyone else — except they experience mood swings.

And while some people with bipolar disorder don’t want others to know about their illness, there are ways to talk about it without being stigmatized.

So consider sharing your condition with your employer. If you think your mood episodes could impact your ability to do your job, you may want to share your diagnosis with your boss.

This way, they can understand your risk factors and develop a way to manage your work to lower your stress levels. 

Overcoming Bipolar Disorder for a Productive Life

A workplace is often a stressful place for everybody. Unfortunately, the workplace can be even more stressful for those living with bipolar disorder. 

But there are many ways to cope with bipolar disorder at work, such as:

  • Take extra breaks throughout the day.
  • Talk to your supervisor about your symptoms. Ask what he or she thinks you could do differently to help yourself feel better.
  • Set boundaries.  For example, set an agreed time when you refrain from taking any telephone calls.
  • Keep track of your moods. Write down your feelings and thoughts. Then talk to your doctor about the mood swings you’re experiencing in the workplace.

Medications usually treat bipolar disorder in the initial stage, especially during acute episodes. However, psychological treatments are often recommended after medications fail to control symptoms.

In addition, lifestyle changes are often concurrently needed, alongside other therapies, to overcome bipolar disorder.

Treating Bipolar Disorder

NeuroSpa Therapy Centers provide a wide range of therapies to heal your medical conditions and overcome mental disorders affecting your work and life. These forms of treatment include:

  • Talk therapy
  • Magnetic stimulation (not FDA cleared)
  • Sleep evaluation
  • Medication

We know that your everyday life suffers from the adverse effects of these mood episodes and will create an effective treatment plan to help overcome the effects of bipolar disorder.

Overcoming Bipolar Disorder

With bipolar disorder, the rapid cycling between manic symptoms and depressive episodes can affect your work performance.

As a result, you may have reduced performance, decreased quality of life, and general unhappiness.

Knowing you have the condition and understanding your rights as a worker are important steps to take in managing bipolar disorder in the workplace. It is also important to choose the right forms of therapy to ensure that every day at work isn’t seen as a traumatic event.

Reach out to NeuroSpa Therapy Centers to arrange a free consultation.

This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.

Are You Too Depressed to Work? Here’s What You Should Do

Depression can feel like a dark cloud hanging over you, and it can be difficult to see past it to get things done. Living with this mental illness can be hard enough on its own, and the demands of work can make it feel even more greuling. Signs of working with depression often include missing work, difficulty concentrating, incomplete deadlines and goals, and even fatigue or lack of energy in the workplace.

It may feel like your depression can prevent you from working or holding down a job, but there are ways to help overcome these challenges — we’ll explore how depression affects your ability to work and what you can do if you need help getting back into the workforce.

Recognize That Depression Is Part of You, but Not All of You

One of the most common misconceptions about depression is that it defines who you are as a person. It’s not. Depression is just one aspect of your personality—it’s not who you are, and it doesn’t define your character in any meaningful way.

Know When to Seek Professional Help

  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you have thoughts that life would be better off without you, please seek professional help immediately
  • Hopelessness or despair. If you feel like nothing will ever get better or that there is no hope for happiness in the future, it’s time to seek help.
  • Thoughts of harming others (or yourself). If these thoughts are consuming your mind and causing distress in your day-to-day life, seek immediate help.
  • Trouble sleeping or eating due to depression symptoms.

Talk Openly With Your Family and Friends

Depression can be a lonely condition, so it’s important to talk about your emotions and needs with people you trust. This will help remind you that you’re not alone in this struggle.

Talking openly with family or friends can help them understand your condition and will allow them to offer support. You can share how you feel, what challenges you’re facing, what coping strategies are working for you, and any other information that you are comfortable with sharing to seek help and support.

Seek Out Mental Health Groups for Support

Joining a mental health group can be a great way to find support, especially if you’re still feeling lonely despite encouragement from family and friends. Making connections with those that have lived through similar experiences can be comforting when dealing with depression or other mental illnesses.

Oftentimes, many of the people in your mental health support group are also struggling to find the strength to work while suffering from depression. By surrounding yourself with people you can relate to, you will find that you’re not alone and have a safe place to express your thoughts and feelings.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of mental health support groups, check out our blog post here.

Take Time for Yourself

It is important to take time for yourself. Whether you need a full day or just a few minutes, it’s essential to spend some time relaxing. Even if it’s not possible to completely relax at work, there are ways that you can recharge throughout the day and make sure that work remains enjoyable.

Take breaks during your work day. If you have an office job where people go out for lunch together, take advantage of this opportunity to get away from your desk and talk with coworkers in person. Also, try scheduling short walks during breaks—you’ll find yourself more productive afterward!

Better yet, talk to your employer about taking mental health days off of work. If your depression is consuming you and preventing you from being productive at work, taking a day or two off may be exactly what you need. While mental health days won’t cure your depression, they can certainly give you the recharge you need to return to work with a fresh perspective.

Set Small Goals and Build Up From There

Set small goals and build up from there. If your depression is severe, it may be difficult to focus on the small steps that will eventually lead to success. So start with something simple that can be completed in a day or less: making your bed, putting away clothes in their proper place, or organizing your desk. These simple tasks will help you feel like you’ve achieved something.

Ask People to Give You Space if You Need It

Let others know how much space they should give you. If a friend wants to check in with you but knows that’s not the best idea right now, maybe they can make plans for later in the week or month instead.

Everyone Deals With Depression in Their Own Way

Depression is a real illness that can be treated with therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes like exercise and good sleep habits. It’s important to remember that depression affects everyone differently, so the way that someone else might deal with it may not be right for you. You should never feel ashamed about reaching out for help if you are having trouble coping with your symptoms or would like to discuss treatment options with your doctor.

There are many resources available to those struggling with depression. These include:

  • A therapist who specializes in depression.
  • Support groups for those with depression (in person or online).
  • Friends and family members who can provide emotional support.

Depression is a serious health condition, but it’s one that can often be successfully treated. Dealing with depression is all about taking small steps, so it’s important to feel confident that you are equipped to deal with it. Most importantly, you should never feel like you are alone in your fight against depression.

This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.

Quitting Your Job for Mental Health Reasons

About 20 percent of American adults live with a diagnosable mental illness, which can make a stressful work environment even harder to cope with. The dividing line between psychological problems causing issues at work and the work environment itself leading to diminished mental health is a thin, sometimes non-existent, barrier. 

Consider that Americans spend a quarter of their time every year at work and when things are bad at work, things can get bad in all areas of a person’s life. Our jobs have a huge impact on our psychological well-being and given that we’re engaged in work-related activities so much of the time, it’s not surprising that most of us have thought about quitting a high-stress job for mental health reasons.

Our psychological state can make work problems worse, but it’s also the case that hard times at our work can cause anxiety and aggravate depression. Because our mental health and happiness at the workplace are intertwined so deeply, it’s important to investigate whether our depression or anxiety is arising solely from the workplace, or if perhaps we’re experiencing mental health issues that are independent of our jobs.

For over 80 percent of employees, stress coming from the workplace is significant and leads to impairments in their quality of life, which ultimately impacts their quality of work. For many, a job is their most significant psychological stressor, which impacts other aspects of their lives leading to tension and unhappiness in all other areas. It’s no wonder that for many, quitting may become a reasonable way to improve their mental health.

Here’s a look at some good reasons to quit your job for mental health reasons.

 

How to Know When It’s Time to Leave

These are some of the more extreme and cut-and-dried situations in which quitting one’s job is an easier decision.

  • Your mental health is suffering. If you’ve been diagnosed with a psychological disorder such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder and your symptoms are worsening, it’s crucial to get therapeutic help as soon as possible. Increased stress and impaired sleep are well-known to aggravate psychiatric disorders, and can prompt manic episodes in bipolar disorder.
  • You’re ruminating daily. Rumination involves replaying negative events over and over, essentially dwelling on the worst parts of your day. Rumination might seem like a helpful practice, but it’s not real self-reflection. Rumination always begins to feed on the negativity of bad situations and feeds depression and anxiety.
  • You despise the idea of going to work. If you loathe the very idea of your workplace, it might be time to make a change. 
  • Your work environment is toxic. Some workplaces have a few toxic employees who sour the whole work experience, but other times, work environments are abusive and exploitative. If you’re in one of those situations or suffering harassment of any sort, staying in your job may be neither desirable nor possible.
  • You have no time for anything but work. Even at home, you’re thinking about work, even though you get no happiness or satisfaction from it.
  • Work makes unreasonable or uncompensated demands on your time. Is it always your turn to be on call? Are you salaried and rarely, if ever, allowed to recoup your time?  A work-home imbalance is one of the most typical reasons people leave a job for their mental health.

 

Dealing With Work Stress and Keeping Your Job

If you’ve already been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or any other mental health condition, before you give your two-weeks’ notice, check with your company’s HR department to see if an Employee Assistance Program is available to you. An EAP assists employees with getting the help they need by working with a therapist or other mental healthcare specialist.  

Even if you don’t have a diagnosed mental health issue, you can still use your company’s EAP to get help from a professional. If you’re stressed, feeling depressed, or experiencing anxiety but want to stay at your job, psychotherapy can help. Talk therapy can help you learn new ways to cope with stressful situations and manage them more effectively while getting more satisfaction out of life.

 

How TMS Therapy Can Treat Your Mental Health Needs

Another effective, clinic-based treatment is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Since 2008, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been approved by the FDA as a non-invasive treatment for depression, certain anxiety disorders such as OCD, and other mental health conditions. It’s covered by most insurers and doesn’t require hospitalization or any kind of invasive procedure. If you receive employee insurance benefits from your employer, you may already qualify for TMS treatment.

TMS uses a powerful and precise magnetic field to gently stimulate areas of the brain that regulate mood. It’s a medication-free approach to treatment for depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other psychological disorders. There are no systemic side-effects to TMS.

For patients who are not covered by insurance, we offer cash pay protocols and have the ability to offer financing.

NeuroSpa TMS recently rolled out a personalized VIP program, providing full, comprehensive care for patients who are undergoing treatment. These patients have access to elements other TMS Therapy facilities may not provide. Our offerings include: traditional TMS Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Nutritional Counseling, Blood Work, Sleep Evaluation, Functional MRI Targeting and Ketamine Treatment. 

 

This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.

 

Works Cited

Depression statistics. (2019, July 12). Retrieved March 29, 2021, from https://www.dbsalliance.org/education/depression/statistics/

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, February 16). Bipolar disorder. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/

Mental health by the numbers. NAMI. (n.d.). Retrieved October 2, 2021, from https://www.nami.org/mhstats

Milenkovic, M. (2019, September 23). Journal of Workplace Stress. Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.stress.org/42-worrying-workplace-stress-statistics.

Wang JL, Lesage A, Schmitz N, et al. The relationship between work stress and mental disorders in men and women: findings from a population-based study. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2008; 62:42-47

How to Get Time Off Work for Stress and Anxiety

In our current work culture, it’s difficult, frowned upon, or even not allowed, to call off work for being sick. And, when we think “sick”, we tend to initially think of physical illness such as a cold, flu, or injury. But when it comes to mental health, depending upon your employer and circumstances, taking off work may not even seem like an option. Fortunately, there has been progress in having mental health conversations in the workplace, and policies are adapting to reflect that. Taking time off of work due to depression and anxiety may feel difficult, but is very possible and necessary.

Feeling Too Depressed To Go To Work?

We know that anxiety, stress, and depression can cause just as much distress as physical ailments. And, quite often, our workplace can be a major contributing factor to stress and anxiety. Over the last year, if you transitioned to working from home, survived a global pandemic, and navigated financial crises, you probably experienced stress! Stress usually is most often caused by an external trigger, such as a work deadline, large events, discrimination, ailing health of a loved one, etc. While stress may be alleviated when the stressor is over, it can still bring about mental and physical symptoms, such as irritability, anger, fatigue, muscle pain, digestive troubles, and difficulty sleeping. It can also lead to anxiety or other mood problems if persistent.

Anxiety is more often experienced as a persistent and excessive worry, despite relief of the stressor. Anxiety can also manifest in multiple ways, including nervousness, restlessness, tension, having a sense of impending doom, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, trembling, feeling weak or tired, difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, and gastrointestinal problems. It’s clear that if we experience even a few of these symptoms, it can absolutely have an impact on our work and wellness as a whole. So, if you’re feeling too depressed to go to work or too anxious to go to work, it is well within reason to take the day off.

Getting Signed Off Work For Depression

In case you’re wondering how to call in sick for depression or anxiety, it may first be helpful to review your employer’s policies around sick leave, and to determine if you are eligible for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). FMLA provides some employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, and protects your job status and health benefits, per year. According to the FMLA, employers must provide an eligible employee with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year for the following events: the birth and care of a newborn child of an employee, for placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care, to care for an immediate family member with a serious health condition, or to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition. This last requirement is where you may be eligible for FMLA and how you can get time off work for stress and anxiety.

Anxiety, stress, or depression leave from work may require multiple days off, which is where FMLA may come in handy. This may be enough time to seek more intensive treatment if needed or time to relax and seek support. However, if you are thinking “can I get a sick note for anxiety”, the answer is yes. First, be familiar with your company or employer’s policy for sick days. Every workplace is different. You may only need to tell your employer that you can’t make it in today, or may be required to provide a letter or note from a medical or mental health professional. It can be difficult to share about anxiety, stress, and depression, but you may or may not need a note in order to take the day off. Ideally, you would be able to go into as much or as little detail as you want about how you are feeling and your reasoning for having the day off. Most likely, you may be asked to name how your mental health concerns are impacting your work.

If you regularly see a therapist or a doctor, you can consult with them regarding taking time off. It is possible your doctor or therapist will give you a sick note for depression, stress, or anxiety. Once again, some employers may require this. However, it is important to note that your doctor cannot discuss your health with your employer without your written and documented consent. Due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or better known as HIPAA, your health care providers are not allowed to share information with your employer, or anyone else for that matter, without your consent. If you want your providers to discuss your situation with an employer, you will be asked to sign a release of information (ROI) to have this exchange of information. You may be asked by your employer to voluntarily provide documentation from a therapist or doctor to support a sick day due to anxiety or stress.

Can You Work With Severe Depression

Coping with anxiety, stress, or depression and going to work can feel like an impossible task. While the world is starting to see how our mental health is just as important as our physical health, we still need to be our own biggest advocate. Considering the workplace may be some of the biggest sources of stress and anxiety, it is even more important to consider calling out of work for depression, anxiety, or stress to support our mental health in the long run. While not everyone has the ability to take time off, explore with your employer, therapist, or healthcare provider (if that feels safe to do so) other ways that you can address your mental health in order to feel more present and productive at work.

Treating Depression Related Anxiety With No Side Effects

If you’ve just been diagnosed with depression and anxiety and are concerned about the many side effects of medications, consider treatment via Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). This is an FDA cleared non-invasive treatment that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain that affect mood, which helps you get back to your best life quickly and with no recorded systemic side effects. Among the many treatment options out there, TMS therapy is an excellent solution that is covered by most major insurance companies. The best part is there are no recorded systemic side effects from TMS therapy, making it an excellent solution for those who fear the side effects of medications.

This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.

 

Works Cited 

American Psychological Association. (2020, September 21). What’s the difference between stress and anxiety? Retrieved June 22, 2021, from https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/anxiety-difference.

 Department of Health and Human Services. (2020, November 2). Employers and Health Information in the Workplace. Retrieved June 22, 2021, from https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/employers-health-information-workplace/index.html.

 U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) | U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved June 22, 2021, from https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/benefits-leave/fmla.