Unlocking Your Well-Being: The Hidden Benefits of Mental Health Leave from Work Most People Overlook

NEW YORK — Carolina Lasso’s first panic attack struck unexpectedly during a company meeting. She had spoken many times before, but when her name was called this time, silence enveloped her.

“I felt a knot in my throat,” Lasso recalled. “My head felt like it was inside a bubble. I couldn’t hear or see anything. It felt like an eternity.”

Carolina had just moved across the country and was dealing with a divorce. Her boss suggested taking a mental health leave, something she wasn’t even sure was an option. Initially, she feared that time off might alter her team’s perception of her or hinder her career. However, she decided to take that step.

“I’m grateful I took the chance to heal,” Lasso, 43, mentioned. Many feel guilty about stepping back for mental health reasons. There’s often a weight to carry, as if it’s a personal failing.

More adults are waking up to the reality that prioritizing mental health is essential, and a growing number of employers are beginning to understand this necessity.

ComPsych Corp., a company focused on employee mental health, encourages businesses to prioritize worker wellbeing to prevent crises before they happen. Jennifer Birdsall, the senior clinical director at ComPsych, states, “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been in constant turmoil. The uncertainty can be overwhelming.”

Recent data sheds light on the growing trend of mental health leaves. According to Alight, a tech firm that manages employee benefits, the most common reasons for mental health leave over the past two years included depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders.

Taking time off for mental health can take various forms. Some employees might opt for longer leaves, while others may prefer “intermittent leave,” taking short breaks as needed. The Family and Medical Leave Act allows eligible U.S. workers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for serious health conditions, including mental health issues.

Lasso’s leave extended for six months, during which she sought therapy and even traveled to India for treatment. Eventually, she left her job to start her own business focused on creating a healthier workplace culture.

“Taking a mental health leave can open doors to new possibilities,” Lasso said. “It allows time for therapy and self-discovery away from work.”

However, talking about mental health leaves can be daunting due to social stigma. Newton Cheng, a health director at Google, seeks to change this narrative by sharing his own experiences. During a company meeting, he broke down in tears while discussing his struggles as a father.

“It was horrifying,” Cheng shared. “But it opened the door for my colleagues to share their own struggles.” He ultimately decided to take a mental health leave after realizing he couldn’t handle everything on his own.

Rosalie Mae, a college student, faced similar challenges balancing school and work, which led her to call a suicide hotline. She took five weeks off to focus on her well-being and encourages others to do the same.

“Taking a mental health leave isn’t a complete fix, but it’s crucial to give yourself a break and regroup,” Mae advised.

When discussing a leave with a manager, consider the workplace environment and relationships. Cheng suggests framing the conversation around health and the wellbeing of both the individual and the workplace. Not every detail needs to be shared; it’s okay to say you’re taking medical leave.

As awareness about mental health continues to grow, resources are more accessible. Knowledge is power, and understanding that asking for help is not a sign of weakness can encourage more people to prioritize their mental health.

For more information on mental health resources, you can visit AP’s Be Well.

Source link