How to Call in Sick With Mental Health Without Losing Your Job

It’s possible to call in sick with mental health without losing your job. Here’s how to do it without getting fired.

Checkout this video:

Introduction

It’s no secret that mental health is still stigmatized in the workplace. A 2017 study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness found that 60% of employees with a mental health condition have hidden their diagnosis at work, and 1 in 5 have lost a job because of their mental health

When you’re struggling with your mental health, going to work can feel impossible. But calling in sick with a mental health day can be just as daunting, especially if you’re worried about losing your job or facing negative consequences at work.

Here are some tips on how to call in sick with mental health without jeopardizing your career:

The Problem With “Mental Health”

There is a problem with the way we talk about mental health, and it’s that the phrase “mental health” itself is inaccurate and misleading.

The term “mental health” implies that there is such a thing as “normal” mental health, and that anything outside of that is abnormal. This simply isn’t true. Mental illness is not a black-and-white issue; it exists on a spectrum, and everyone falls somewhere on that spectrum.

This binary way of thinking about mental illness can be harmful because it stigmatizes those who experience mental illness and makes them feel like they are somehow less than or not as good as those who don’t experience mental illness. This way of thinking also leads people to believe that they can’t have “mental health” unless they are completely free of any and all mental illness, which is an impossible standard to meet.

It’s time for us to start thinking about mental health in a more accurate and inclusive way. Mental illness is not an either/or proposition; we all have mental health, regardless of whether or not we experience mental illness.

The Solution: How to Call in Sick

It’s the morning of, and you’re already not feeling so great. You don’t want to go to work, but you know that if you call in sick, your boss is going to give you the third degree. They always do. And, even though you know that mental health days are important and necessary, you’re worried that taking one will put your job in jeopardy.

Calling in sick with mental health issues is a lot harder than calling in sick with a physical illness. With a physical illness, it’s easy to point to a specific symptom — I have a headache, I have a stomach ache, I have a fever — and say, “This is why I can’t come in.” But with mental health issues, the symptoms are less clear-cut, which can make it harder to explain why you need a day off.

The solution is to be prepared. If you know that there are certain days when your mental health is likely to take a Hit — for example, if you have anxiety and Mondays are always tough for you — then make sure to have a plan in place for those days. That way, when Monday morning rolls around and you’re feeling anxious and stressed, you can simply say “I’m taking a mental health day” and not worry about being grilled by your boss or putting your job in jeopardy.

Here are some tips for how to call in sick with mental health without losing your job:

1) Talk to your boss ahead of time: If possible, it’s always best to talk to your boss before taking a Mental Health Day This way they won’t be blindsided by your absence and they will know that you’re not just slacking off. Explain the situation to them and let them know that you have a plan in place for dealing with your mental health issues.

2) Have a doctor’s note: In some cases, it might be helpful to have a doctor’s note explaining your situation. This is especially true if your boss is skeptical about mental health days or if they have been giving you trouble about taking time off for your mental health in the past. A doctor’s note can help validate your need for time off and show that you are taking steps to deal with your mental health issues in a constructive way.

3) Keep communication lines open: When you take a mental health day make sure to keep communication lines open with your boss and co-workers. Check in periodically throughout the day so they know that you’re still working on things remotely and keeping up with deadlines. This will help prevent any resentment or mistrust from building up while also showing that you can still be productive even when you��re not physically present at work.

4) Don’t abuse the system: Mental health days are important and necessary, but they should not be abused. If you find that you are taking too many of them or using them as an excuse to skip work regularly, then it might be time to reassess how well Your current job is meeting Your needs. It could be that Your job is simply too stressful or demanding and it might be time to look for something else entirely.

When to Call in Sick

Mental health days are vital to maintaining our sanity. We all need a break from time to time, and sometimes that break needs to be in the form of a mental health day. But how do you call in sick when the reason for your sick day is mental health-related?

The reality is, most employers expect their employees to be productive and present, and they may not be too understanding if you need to take a mental health day. In fact, some employers may see it as an excuse to get out of work. So how do you call in sick without losing your job?

Here are some tips:

1. Be honest with your employer: It’s important to be honest with your employer about why you need a mental health day. If you’re comfortable doing so, explain that you’re experiencing some stress or anxiety and need a day to relax and recuperate. Most employers will be understanding if you’re honest with them.

2. Try to give them as much notice as possible: If possible, try to give your employer as much notice as possible that you’ll be taking a mental health day. This way, they can plan accordingly and make sure that your workload is covered while you’re out.

3. Use up all of your vacation days: If you have vacation days saved up, use them! Employers are more likely to be understanding if you use up your vacation days instead of just calling in sick out of the blue.

4. Offer to work from home: If taking a mental health day means that you won’t be able to get any work done, offer to work from home instead. This way, you can still get your work done while also taking the day off to focus on your mental health.

5. Follow up with your employer: After taking a mental health day, follow up with your employer and let them know how you’re doing. This shows them that you’re still committed to your job and that you appreciate their understanding during this time.

How to Call in Sick

Even if you have a good relationship with your boss, it can be difficult to talk about mental health. You might worry about what they’ll think or whether you’ll be able to keep your job.

Here are some tips for how to call in sick with mental health without losing your job:

1. Be honest
When you call in sick, be honest about why you’re taking time off. If you’re comfortable, you can explain that you’re dealing with a mental health issue. If you’re not comfortable, you can simply say that you’re not feeling well and need to take some time off.

2. Give as much notice as possible
If possible, give your boss as much notice as possible that you’ll be out sick. This will give them time to make arrangements for coverage.

3. Follow up with your boss
Once you’ve taken some time off, follow up with your boss to let them know how

What to Say When You Call in Sick

If you’re feeling too anxious or depressed to work, you might be wondering how to call in sick with mental health without losing your job. The first step is to understand your employer’s policy on mental health days. Some employers may require a doctor’s note, while others may be more understanding.

Once you know your employer’s policy, it’s important to be honest about why you’re taking a mental health day. You don’t need to give specific details, but letting your employer know that you’re dealing with anxiety or depression can help them be more understanding.

It’s also important to remember that you don’t need to justify taking a mental health day. If you’re feeling too overwhelmed to work, that’s enough of a reason to take a day off. And if you’re worried about how your boss will react, keep in mind that it’s better to be honest than to try to fake being sick.

If you’re not sure what to say when you call in sick, here are a few examples:

“I’m not feeling well today and I need some time off.”
“I’m not feeling like myself today and I need some time to rest.”
“I’m struggling with some personal issues and I need a day off.”

How to Follow Up After Calling in Sick

When you call in sick, be sure to follow up with your employer as soon as possible. Let them know how long you anticipate being out and if there is any chance you will be able to work from home or come in for a partial day. Keep the lines of communication open and honest—your employer will appreciate your efforts to stay in touch and keep them updated on your situation.

Conclusion

When you’re struggling with your mental health, the last thing you want to worry about is losing your job. But if you don’t take the proper precautions when calling in sick, that’s exactly what could happen.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure that you can call in sick without putting your job at risk. First and foremost, be honest with your employer about why you need to take time off. If possible, provide a note from a mental health professional detailing your diagnosis and explaining why you need time off.

Be sure to follow your company’s policies for calling in sick, and don’t abuse the privilege. If you need to take more than a few days off, talk to your employer about taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or another protected leave of absence.

By taking these precautions, you can protect your job while getting the time off you need to recover from a mental health issue.