Mental health break from work

“Self-care is how you take your power back.” — Lalah Delia

Note: I am not a mental health expert. If you feel the need or are struggling with mental health, please seek professional help.

While I may not be a professional, I do believe it's important to share our mental health struggles with people around us. It helps to know that we are not alone. It helps to debunk the various myths surrounding mental health. It also enables us to self-reflect on our mental health, which in turn helps us better understand the illness and empowers us to face it more effectively.

Let’s talk about a topic that’s trending these days and how we should do our homework before we try it — Mental health breaks. While you will find videos of people talking about the benefits of taking a break, rarely anyone talks about its after-effects.

I take breaks whenever things get more stressful, whether in my personal or professional life. Off late I have been feeling a lot of stress at work, so I decided to take a break. Before we talk about the drawbacks of taking a mental health break, let’s talk about the benefits.

Pros of taking a mental health break:

1. Reduced stress: A mental health break can help you reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a positive impact on your physical health as well.
2. Increased productivity: Taking a break can help you recharge and increase your energy levels, which can lead to increased productivity and better work performance when you return.
3. Improved mental health: Taking a break can give you the space and time you need to focus on your mental health and well-being. This can help you improve your mood, reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety, and improve your overall mental health.
4. Better relationships: When you take a mental health break, you can give yourself the time and space you need to focus on your relationships with friends, family, and loved ones. This can help you improve your communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen your relationships.

While taking a break sounds like the best thing you could do for yourself, there are some concerns. Let’s take a look at the drawback of taking a mental health break.

Cons of taking a mental health break:

1. Stigma: There is still a stigma attached to taking a mental health break, and some people may view it as a sign of weakness or lack of commitment.
2. Financial concerns: Taking a break from work may lead to financial concerns, such as loss of income or reduced savings.
3. Work overload: Taking a break may lead to a backlog of work that can be overwhelming when you return, and may lead to additional stress and anxiety.
4. Guilt: Some people may feel guilty about taking a break, especially if they feel like they are letting their colleagues or employer down.
5. Overthinking: Some people tend to overthink if they don’t have activities to keep their minds occupied. This might be reduced by planning your breaks, you can go out and meet friends, pick up a hobby, read a book, etc.

It’s important to note that the benefits of taking a mental health break typically outweigh the cons, and it’s important to prioritise your mental health and well-being. Talk to a mental health professional to discuss your options and come up with a plan that works for you.