If you think your employer will be understanding and you'd like to explain, you might adapt one of the following phrases to suit your situation: “I'd like to take time off as I'm not in a good frame of mind. “My depression symptoms have worsened and I need a day off to recover.
When someone shares information about their mental health, it's essential to have a sensitive and supportive conversation with them about their needs. Choose an appropriate place. Avoid making assumptions. Embed confidentiality. Encourage people to talk. Respond flexibly. Develop a wellbeing plan.
How to support someone with a mental health problem Talking about mental health. Set time aside with no distractions. Let them share as much or as little as they want to. Don't try to diagnose or second guess their feelings. Keep questions open ended. Talk about self-care. Listen carefully to what they tell you.
The 5Cs are competence, confidence, character, caring, and connection. The anxiety dimensions are Social anxiety, Physical symptoms, Separation anxiety, and Harm avoidance.
Listen carefully to what they say. try to identify what the cause is, for example by keeping questions open ended. think about ways to help, for example if they know about options for support at work or how to request reasonable adjustments. reassure them – let them know you'll help them get the support they need.
Show support by being available to listen to your employee. If they share their struggle, encourage them to utilize an employee assistance program, use their time-off balances or take personal mental health days as needed.
For this reason it's vital you have a meaningful conversation with your employee about their needs and really listen to them. Be positive – focus on what employees can do, rather than what they can't. Work together and involve people in finding solutions as much as possible.
Try to put yourself in their shoes and understanding what they are going through. Show empathy. Avoid lecturing them, minimizing their experience or dictating what you would do in their place. Congratulate them on the positive changes they make, for example, through lifestyle changes, and encourage their efforts.
Recognize their feelings and express your understanding back to them. Don't be afraid to relate on a personal level. Ask them what they can do to get better. Encourage them to seek support or talk to someone.
Taking time off for your mental health is just as valid as time off for physical health. If you're too unwell to work, you need time to get better. Even if you're off for a while, it doesn't mean you'll never go back to work. Your employer should support you when you're ready to return.