So, contrary to everyone’s belief *insert major sarcasm*…life is effing hard. Whether you are in high school, going to college, working a job, working a second, even third job, a new mom––whatever it is you’re doing, it’s not easy.
And most of the time we handle our shit. We get up every morning, we take on the day, we accomplish what is set before us, and we come home tired, but successful.
We do this EVERY. DAMN. DAY. It’s what’s expected. We should be able to simply live our lives, no questions asked. Everyone else is doing it–you should be able to, too.
While I agree with this, for the most part, I also believe that we get a little extra worn down. We get so worn down that we are not able to come home tired, but successful.
We start to come home tired and defeated.
We get to the point to where it’s all we can do to simply trudge on.
That is no quality of life.
When I started working I was overflowing with energy. I came in every day with fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and the ability to tackle obstacles like they were nothing.
Now, I’m tired. This past week I found myself not able to give 110% because I felt like I was drowning. I’m a little behind, I have much to plan for, and I have to do all of that on my own time, after work.
So, I took what I would like to call a mental health day. I called in to say I wouldn’t be there. I plan to simply chill until 10 a.m. this morning with my favorite coffee mug in one hand and book to read for pleasure in the other.
After that, I will begin catching up and planning for the future.
I just needed today. One day.
Starting tomorrow, I will feel refreshed, caught up, and ready to bring the energy back.
I should not have to feel ashamed about taking a mental health day when it’s critical for me to do so. It not only affects my health, but it also affects everyone I come into contact with tomorrow.
I’m not the only one who feels this way. Take a look at this inspiring story on CNN about another woman who took sick days for mental health and got a shocking response.
This isn’t to be confused with skipping work just because you don’t feel like it. But if your brain or body feels like it is struggling to complete a day after weeks of hard work, you are entitled to take a mental health day.
Do it for yourself.
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