We often take or request a leave when we are physically unwell, but sometimes we may also experience stress or other symptoms that affect us mentally and emotionally as well. At such times, it is important to prioritize one’s mental well-being and take a step back to focus on self-care.
Ignoring one’s mental health can lead to serious conditions such as burnout or depression, making it essential for us to take a break when necessary. In this article, we’ll discuss the steps to request a mental health leave:
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Consult a mental health professional.
Before requesting time off, meet with a trained mental health professional, to assess your mental health situation. A mental health professional can help you understand your symptoms and decide the duration of your leave. They may also provide appropriate documentation if required. This is crucial to understand your needs and how the leave can be beneficial for you.
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Review your organization’s policies.
The next step is to check if your organization has a mental health leave policy. In India, many organizations may not have a provision for taking a mental health leave, but they may consider it under sick leaves or medical leaves. Understanding the leave policy will help you frame the request appropriately.
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Make a plan.
Once you have understood the leave policy, make a clear plan about how many days you will need off and when you want to take it. Consider your workload. And check if your absence will impact any important projects in the organization. Identify key tasks that need to be completed before your leave and plan for any necessary handovers to colleagues. This will provide you with clarity before speaking to the relevant authorities.
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Meet your supervisor
Once you have a clear plan, schedule a meeting with your supervisor. Be honest about what you are going through and how it is affecting your work. You may not need to go into details but give them an overview of what you are going through and how a leave would help you.
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Document your request.
After speaking with your supervisor, follow up with a formal email requesting the leave. This email should have details about the start and end dates of your leave so that you and the organization are clear on the terms of your leave.
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Complete any formalities.
Before going on leave, complete all necessary formalities, such as handing over important tasks to colleagues or finishing any urgent work. This shows your professionalism and ensures continuity in your absence.
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Take care of yourself during the leave.
Once your leave begins, focus entirely on your mental health. Engage in activities that help you relax and recover, such as spending time on hobbies, getting appropriate sleep and diet, and seeking therapy.
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Smoothly transition to work
Coming back from a mental health break can be overwhelming, so ensure that you give yourself enough time to get back to work by taking small steps. Let your supervisor know if you require any additional support for mental health while coming back to work.
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Ongoing Support
Returning to work doesn’t have to be the end of your mental health journey. Instead, continue self-care activities and seek support from a therapist. You can consider using the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) services if they are available at your organization.
Conclusion:
Although it may be a novel concept, seeking time off for mental health issues is as important as taking care of physical health. So do not hesitate to prioritize your mental health. By following the above steps, you can ensure a smooth process that benefits both you and your organization. Lastly, remember that seeking leave at an appropriate time can prevent mental health issues from escalating, allowing you to return to work with a fresher mind.
References:
- How to request a mental health leave of absence from work. (n.d.). Retrieved August 9, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/career-advice/how-to-request-a-mental-health-leave-of-absence-from-work/
- Mental Health Leave of Absence From Work: Know Your Rights—GoodRx. (n.d.). Retrieved August 9, 2024, from https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/mental-health/mental-health-leave-of-absence
- Navigating Mental Health Leave of Absence: A Guide—Shiftbase. (n.d.). Retrieved August 9, 2024, from https://www.shiftbase.com/glossary/mental-health-leave-of-absence
- Stress Leave From Work: How to Request. (n.d.). Retrieved August 9, 2024, from https://www.betterup.com/blog/stress-leave-from-work
