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Boss’ Brilliant Response To Employee Asking For Mental Health Day Off Goes Viral
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Boss’ Brilliant Response To Employee Asking For Mental Health Day Off Goes Viral

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A web developer named Madalyn Parker recently took a few days off from work to focus on her mental health. When she got an email back from her boss about it, though, she was stunned by his response.

Parker, who works for live chat software engineering company Olark, has been a vocal advocate for supportive workplaces since writing an emotional essay in 2015 about her harrowing battle with mental health issues and how they affect her career. Corporate culture often stigmatizes depression, anxiety and other mental disorders, despite the fact that peak mental performance is often essential to these kinds of jobs. With her most recent experience, Parker shows the world that a little compassion goes a long way.

After sharing the email she received from her boss, Olark CEO Ben Congleton, a wave of praise rolled in. Over 9.5 thousand retweets and 32 thousand likes later, Congleton and his touching message have gone viral, and people have pretty much unanimously decided that every boss should be like him. Find out what he said below, and let us know how your boss would handle this situation in the comments!

(h/t: Attn)

Meet Madalyn Parker, a web developer from Michigan who works for Olark

Recently, she found herself needing a few days off, which she emailed her team about right away

The way her boss responded, though, was something most of us would never imagine

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After sharing the touching message on Twitter, the world pretty much gave him a digital standing ovation

Unfortunately, employees from other companies didn’t get the same support from their bosses

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Some people even sparked a discussion on what kind of leave people should be taking for mental health issues

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Do you think employees deserve days off work to take care of their mental health?

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giovannat1979 avatar
giovanna
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I CAN'T believe the comment that compares vacation to "mental health needs". Sure you go on vacation to get relief from stress, but do ppl really still ignore the difference between stress and depression? Unbelievable.

linda_nolan1 avatar
Linda Nolan
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes they do. As well, Ppl think a mental health day is an excuse for "retail therapy". When one suffers from an illness like depression or anxiety the last thing you want to do is go out shopping!

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crabcrab avatar
Hans
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you are ill, you should not come to work, and that is strongly in the interest of the employer. What might be misleading in her quote is the "refreshed", which might make people think that "mental health issue" equals "being a bit worn out" and refreshing means "taking a day on the bright side of life". The boss' attitude is not really surprising though, if she works in an environment of agile software development. Typically, the people are not seen as "human ressources" in such a context but respected for their contributions.

ulrike_mergenthaler avatar
Ulrike Mergenthaler
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For us Germans this concept is iust so strange. Depending on your employer ou have 5-6 weeks (legal min-max) vacation per year and when you are sick, you are sick. Your doctor decides and writes a note.

jenni_1 avatar
Jenni Bearden
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most companies in the US only give 2 weeks' paid vacation per year, and that often only starts AFTER you've been with the company for a full year. It also used to be common to additionally have 5 sick days per year, but many companies now do not offer this and instead have you use your vacation time towards being sick. They often require a doctor's note if you don't put in for time off in advance. On top of that, supervisors and managers will often criticize workers for taking sick days, and sometimes even for taking vacation days. It is a really messed up system here!

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jeannamagary avatar
Jeanna
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have done this but I had to lie and say I had the flu or something physical (not mental) because people still don't understand depression, or side effects of anti-depressants.

jevais avatar
jevais
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel very sad about the way it is the States. If the companies big boss and the top guns of goverment didn'dt have slaves to do the work or go to war, who would then? Not having any respect for those who built their country is totally unfaire and horrible. USA will never be great until basic human rights are applied.

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maciejraus avatar
Maciek Ravs
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you need day or few to fix your mental health do it! After a nervous breakdown and when you go on meds when you get depression, you will not be productive in your work and for your employer anyway. Boss who care about own employers and company interest should understand that.

monaghan_bill avatar
Bill Monaghan
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I call my boss and tell her "I'm calling in sick" she knows I may not be physically ill, or even particularly mentally ill. She just gets I need an unexpected day or two off and doesn't need to know why. I don't abuse the privilege, but I use it. I work in a relentlessly top-down environment and I'm lucky to have a decent human being as a boss.

ivana_valeriani avatar
Ivana Viviano
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do believe that there are a lot of understanding individuals in leadership roles, but they are definitely a minority. When you are lucky to find one, hang on and don't let go. Some "hidden" benefits are priceless.

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dariab_1 avatar
Daria B
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If only our company's system respected even our physical health... We only have a limited number of permitted day-offs, and sickness is no extra. Unless you are almost dying in a hospital. If you use those days for sickness, you can say good-bye to holidays.

giovannat1979 avatar
giovanna
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really? I don't know how it works in the US. Where I live you have a yearly amount of days of paid vacation, but sick days don't get into the count. Sick days are whenever you need them, given that a doctor certifies you are really sick.

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n_meredith avatar
Naomi Vogel Meredith
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pleasantly shocked by the CEos response. My daughter killed herself 3 years ago and while I was still working after that, I needed several mental health days and my company was very understanding. I even let my son take mental health days from school after her death. We needed to take care of us.

bunnysevex avatar
Bunny Sevex
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My brother just passed away of the same thing, we were very close. Anyways working at a place free overtime and everything for over a year and needed to take a week to say goodbye and help the funeral, and come straight back in.then my employer told me to "cheer up or they would have a problem" so I quit and they made my life hell for quitting

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lauren_spaduzzi avatar
Lauren Spaduzzi
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see that a lot of these comments are suggesting that she shouldn't take time off just because it wouldn't fit within the PTO policy of another employer. Your personal situation or the policy on time off at your own company, should not dictate the actions of others. If her company allows her to take time off, then its her prerogative to use it as she sees fit. Likewise, if you dislike the policies of your own company, then it is your prerogative to seek alternative employment. And just for the record, I work in the US and my company gives me 20 days of PTO per year and that does not account for sick leave. I would like to see the source from the commenter that suggested most US companies only give 2 weeks of leave.

andreajones avatar
Andrea Jones
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not writing to dispute what Lauren has said, I'm genuinely curious - never had more than two weeks PTO, with sick days counting for the total - two different states, both "right to work" states. Wondering how others compare.

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mdhm avatar
Mark Hayman-Martinez
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think I take my bosses for granted. I think either of them would have been just as supportive, if not more! Here's to the people who get it that a happy worker does better work!

angela_kallstrom avatar
Angela Kallstrom
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My last employer told me if I need time off like that (I've been diagnosed with generalized anxiety, social phobia, and moderate to severe depression) I needed to look into getting paperwork from Americans with Disabilities Act. My doctor filled out leave of absence paperwork to use. We need more companies to realize the importance of mental health.

georgiastergiadis avatar
Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I totally agree with you. I recently had to use my annual leave as a mental health break for one week. Everything got too much.

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yesica1993 avatar
Yesica1993
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem is that every little thing is called a "mental health" issue these days. Who doesn't have some anxiety and stress in their lives for whatever reason? Good grief, I'm dealing with a major health family health crisis, I've been unemployed/under employed for years, and all the rest. I work from home as best I can. I don't get to "take a mental health" day. I work part time and I HAVE to get all the hours I can in order to pay my bills. Plus, I have to deal with the family situation. That's life for most people. They don't get a day off for "mental health." It really is getting ridiculous.

celslade avatar
CelSlade
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the core problem here is people still distinguishing between 'mental health' and 'physical health'. They are one and the same thing - the two are in such a clear feedback loop that trying to distinguish between them is senseless. Health is health and if you need to take time off to take care of your health then employers need to respect that.

celslade avatar
CelSlade
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To clarify - I agree with the employee's choice to take time off for her mental health, and applaud her honesty. I do not agree with those comments which try to imply that 'mental health' issues should not be considered 'health issues'.

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n_cue avatar
Nathalie Cue Gomez
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just got fired because of taking 5 days off for a very bad cold which I caught at work from other colegues too afraid to take days off for sickness. So, I will not imagine what will happen taking days off for mental health care.

georgiastergiadis avatar
Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's so unfair. I don't know which country you reside in, but here in Australia, you can report the company to the Fair Work Ombudsman, and take them to court for doing that to you. I hope you find a better job soon.

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pootboy avatar
Matt Myers
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

good luck trying this bit if you're a man, or work at a job that actually requires you to actually DO anything. can guarantee the CEO of taco bell is not going to send you a personal tweet to congratulate you for taking a couple days off of taco-stuffing so you can bravely concentrate on "self-care", you lily white millennial buttercups.

martinw avatar
Martin
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's today's snowflake society, I doubt the dishwasher at a diner gets days of for "stress" deal-59687...c69226.gif deal-5968701c69226.gif

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jlhall13 avatar
porcupine
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get it. I get the need to take a mental health day, but something about this whole thing is just so irksome. I may be a bit biased because this girl just LOOKS like she'd be obnoxious (why so many pictures of her, btw?), but her email and the fact that she sent it to her whole "team" gets under my skin. If you're taking a mental health day, don't do it like this.

littlegreycells avatar
Donna Oades
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's what I was trying to get across in my wayyy-too-long post haha. Your last sentence sums it up; if you're taking a mental health day (which I really think should just be called a sick day, because that's what it is) then this isn't the best way to go about it.

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morag_katz avatar
Sarah Katz
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if the response would have been as congenial (or come from the CEO) if she were in a non-technical position. As a developer, she is hardly expendable.

ivana_valeriani avatar
Ivana Viviano
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am sure it would have been the same. You do realize he didn't have to write anything at all, but he obviously has a human side that pushed him to do so. I bet that that very human side would have made him feel the same towards any employee. Here's the problem in the workplace: insinuating comments from those who are envious when they witness efficiency, success and kindness in one single package.

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christianhill avatar
jcastek avatar
J.E.C.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't worry in 10 years all employers will be required to give 10 mental health days a year to employees.

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kjorn avatar
Kjorn
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the problem with that it's many... and MANY people will use that excuse even if they didn't need it.

newdawn_guardian avatar
Leni
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If they feel the need to use it as an excuse perhaps on some level they did need it.

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wanda_queen avatar
Wanda Queen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not a matter of "deserve" it's a matter of need. The word choice, to me, is telling. Mental health matters, and should be seen as a serious issue. Taking time off because you're not feeling mentally well is as necessary as taking time off because you're not physically well.

repearllyn avatar
John Lacey
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If a doctor says you need time off for mental issues then yes, it should come off your sick leave. If you self diagnose your mental health then I'm not so sure. "I'm not coming in today because I think I have malaria, I'm not going to get a second opinion you should just believe me"

ismailyaseen6 avatar
Muhammed Ismail
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone that suffers from mental health issues, I can attest to fact that most doctors, or at least the ones I can afford, have no clue on how to treat mental issues. They usually just prescribe some s****y meds that make me more sick. A year or two ago, I decided that whenever I feel some mental illness brewing, I take a day off from work, chill at home, smoke weed and play games. This has worked really great for me and actually allows me to be at work more often. Previously, I would have endured the agony until I land myself up in hospital and have to take an entire week, sometimes 2, in order to recover. FYI: Software developer here and if you're wondering why I can't just wait for weekend to chill... weekends are not chilled, weekends are for cleaning and taking care of life's admin, for being happy so that you don't make the people around you miserable thus making yourself even more miserable.

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tbbaot avatar
tbbaot
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it's a vacation day and it's requested in advance then who cares what you do with the time. If your calling out sick for mental reasons, who do you think has to cover your work load while you are out? Yup...your coworkers. Not a smart thing to do to them either.

jcastek avatar
J.E.C.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

not all jobs require someone to pick up your slack when you are out.

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loribeth2464 avatar
Lori Thompson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am fully in support of mental health days for those of us truly affected by mental health issues. (I have bipolar disorder and BPD) However, I see people abusing it, saying with a laugh that they needed a "mental health" day. Maybe a doctor's note?

monkeystikx avatar
Herb Eaversmells
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good for her on speaking up, maybe that is her intent to bring awareness to the issue. But if you have time off to use, you really don't need to give context of why you are taking off.

skimedickc avatar
David Wilson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a manager I realize there are two options when it comes to employees. The question you have to ask yourself is do you want a stump that shows up to work or do you want a highly productive member of your team. I personally can't afford stumps so I encourage my folks to take a break if they need it... BUT not to abuse it! Some do of course but that is par for the course and can be dealt with separately.

hc_akidoki avatar
Akidoki HC
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do believe in separating sick leave and vacation. They are two different categories that have nothing to do than both are days off. But the big question is still how honest are the employees in asking the sick leave. Real sick or real abuser of the trust of the company's kindness? I doubt that most are honest because I see it at work place often that colleagues report ill but actually were taking children to the park or shopping in town.

kaysmom23 avatar
Revgirl2017
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone's mental health is different.. how many lives could be potentially be saved if right before someone snapped they were able to take a mental health day with no issues or questions... look at the big picture.

lew_kimball avatar
Lew Kimball
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an RN, the hospital I work at doesn't even require a reason fir call off unless it exceeds 3 shifts in a row. It does, however, request that we call each day, and give at least 7 hrs notice prior to start of shift. The amazing part of this policy: we actually still acrue PTO hrs ON THE PTO HOURS USED!!! First place I've ever heard of that.

jlhall13 avatar
porcupine
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well that's because nurses are angels on earth and are the hardest working people I've ever seen. Seriously, you guys are amazing and deserve it.

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delcarmen_correo avatar
Carmen Hernandez-Lara
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just as people are so open to talk about a flu we all should be open to discuss our mental health and ask for help. Good for her and her boss!

georgiastergiadis avatar
Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, I agree! Some people are ashamed to discuss their mental health issues, and that's quite sad. Some people tell us to never talk about it, as have I from family and some people I met over the years. Why should I not talk about it? Me speaking up could potentially save someones life.

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cherieterblache avatar
Cherié Terblanche
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Definitely... I worked for a medical insurance company, ironically enough, and they were soooo corrupt... anyway, I had developed depression due to combined personal and work related stress. They refused to give me my lunch hour earlier in a day once a week to go for therepy. I cracked and was later fired because of it. IF they'd just let me go to my sessions, I believe it wouldnt have happened. Its better to be at home crying than to have to explain yourself in a work environment OR try to help customers with a face looking like you walked into a brick wall. Just saying...

georgiastergiadis avatar
Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't believe that they did that to you! That's so unfair! I hope you heal soon, and stick to your therapy sessions. This is coming from a person who's also seeing a psychologist every few weeks for the same reasons.

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emreinar avatar
Emre
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Human Resources department's first responsibility is to take care of employees. Physical or mental doesn't matter. Human is the most important production factor to all kind of businesses. And the most of our investments are on well educated team workers. Employers must be aware of it.

peter-grisson avatar
Helping Panda
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Human Resources department's first responsibility is to take care of employees." What makes you think this? Are you just going by the name? As far as I can tell, in practice, their first responsibility is to protect the employer...

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chiyukineko avatar
Allie Orona
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What the boss did was amazing. Most bosses forget that we are incredibly stressed (talking about the average person right now) humans, rather than machines to be worked.

edmanley avatar
Ed Manley
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Employers must control costs. Tasks need to be completed on time and in budget. Teams must count on members to complete their part on time. Deadlines must be met. How do 'mental health days' contribute to any of that? In today's politically correct world it may not be acceptable to stand up for employer rights, but I will. During recovery from an accident in 1979 I have had 42 surgeries, many of them bone grafts and post-surgical infection-related, lost a leg, broke my neck, divorced, been buried by medical bills that drove me to bankruptcy and been diagnosed and treated for depression for many years. Unless I am in the hospital I go to work. I have for weeks on end worked with an IV bag hanging from my cubicle wall. When I retired and started my IT consultancy I employed six full-time and many contractors. I expect the same level of loyalty, attendance and effort from them that I gave my employer. If you can't do your job dependably get another.

ldater avatar
bigoldthor
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agreed. Employers should try to accommodate to a point, but ultimately the employee needs to do his job or move on.

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marisa_j_barnes avatar
Marisa Barnes
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are a lot of comments on here calling this a luxury entitlement, that if this were a national policy requirement, workers would take advantage, and that since so many people have it worse how dare she use this incredible benefit with the support of her boss and co-workers. The US has one of the best work ethics of all the work forces in the world, and I say that both from data and experience. We deserve some of the perks that are enjoyed in our peer countries; imagine what our amazing work force could get done if we benefited from preventative care and stress reduction on a national level? Calling this lazy is the wrong attitude to have here. We've been working hard for generations to line the pockets of those who are rising above us in a widening class divide, without any of the huge advances in the base living wage, benefits, and family care that are enjoyed in most other countries of similar development/wealth.

ldater avatar
bigoldthor
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Although I generally disagree such policies or accommodations (abused), you do make an eye-opening and compelling point. Very well said.

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trevvymac76 avatar
Richard Miller
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A company I worked for allowed its employees 4 additional annual leave days a year for what they termed 'duvet days'. We could, if we felt it necessary, take a days annual leave if we were to wake up one morning and feel so drained of energy that the very thought of getting up and ready for work was exhausting and a day under the duvet to recharge our batteries and rest our brains would guarantee a fresher, whole version of ourselves again on return to work, we were encouraged to take a 'duvet day'. To be honest, most people took one or two of the four we were able to take if required. The fact we were acknowledged for the mentally draining roles we were undertaking made us feel like an understood and cared for workforce. It also encouraged honesty and openness amongst colleagues. It can only be a good thing to support your staff in the way the CEO chose to and will have increased the level of respect his employees already will go have had for him.

dianacrunchewywatson avatar
Diana CrunChewy Watson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I need a mental health day, I just cal in sick with "a**l glaucoma," because I can't see my a*s going to work that day.

karlloepke avatar
Karl Loepke
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why on Earth do Americans want to be more like Europe? America is awesome for a lot of reasons. Work ethic is a big one. That being said, vacation and sick days are over in the same if you're a business owner. Either way, the employee isn't there, so just call them out of office days. Who cares what they use them for?

fitazahra avatar
fita zahra
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

some employees are lazyass. her boss knows her and some boss knows their employees. so it depends on the person performance in their work really.

betty_lycar avatar
Betty Lycar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the boss's response sounded a little bit sarcastic. "Every time you do... bla bla bla." So it's not a one-time thing. She took it as a positive response and it went viral and the boss sounds like a prince, so it all turned out positive. IMO

dhermanlmt avatar
Diane Phillips-Herman
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once took the afternoon off for Yankee opening day and my boss was fine with it. Be honest and make sure all your work gets done.

daisydog4 avatar
Heather Coates
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I pay into benefits off every check and sick pay is part of them. Bank has over 500 hours available in it but if you don't bring a note you don't get paid. But health care in Alberta is on a budget and the emergency rooms are cramped with horrific wait times but please while you feel like garbage go to the ER for about 6 hours to bring back a note that says you didn't feel well.but if you really hate that idea come to work not at your best and when they notice you are having trouble keeping your s**t together they will send you home because you are to ill to be there and it will pass to other employees. And if you want to be paid for your remaining hours go get a sick note. ovay Did I mention I WORK IN HEALTH CARE!!! Anyone who has taken leave for mental health issues within my area of work were slowly passively forced out and continually questioned if they are capable of doing the job or being told that they don't think they were ready to return and sent back on leave.

allanarose1996 avatar
Allana Rose
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too much stress can lead to mental health issues and those stresses often start from work related problems so of course we should all be able to take a "mental health day" off without stigma.

sweetthang_24 avatar
Kayla Tiede
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have depression and take medication to help manage it but I think why most employers don't do this is because a majority of people would abuse it like people do FMLA.

kathinka avatar
Katinka Min
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think people need more paid vacation days in the US!!! Or if people need a sick day, they should just take a sick day. Who cares if it's mental or physical health or both that is affected? To me, the whole thing seems slightly weird and attention seeking.

ldater avatar
bigoldthor
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pretty hard to run a business if people can just come and go as they please. Eventually the work has to get done, so the business has to decide whether to: (a) do nothing and let output and quality of services/products suffer and the morale of other employees suffer, leading to THEIR OWN mental health issues and absenteeism (snowball effect here), or (b) hire more people to cover for the absenteeism. In (b), the patients/clients/customers end up paying for those additional costs. Most businesses can't afford to add headcount ad infinitum. They have a responsibility to return profits to the owners/shareholders. If they don't, the owners look elsewhere to put their money. (Yes there are some greedy SOBs owners everywhere who seek exorbitant profits and don't give a chit about their employees. Screw them.

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mimimc888 avatar
Janice Mcmahon
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a compassionate boss,to truly understand her needs.More bosses could learn from him.

jalegge avatar
Ja Legge
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some jobs do give us mental exhaustion or stress, I don't see any problem taking a couple of days to rewind.

rohitgoel008 avatar
Rohit Goel
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mental health is rather more important than physical well-being.... a person with physical illness can still work because the drive force is working in the desired manner. Whereas in mentally unbalanced state, it’s not possible to focus... forget about the productivity.

medeirosmatt_13 avatar
Matthew Medeiros
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As long as every working citizen in the country does, than hell yea i am all for it. If it were something made mandatory for just officer workers i would be against it.

spirituz avatar
Jerry Hudson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Last company I worked at had a great method. Instead of calling them sick days. They called them personal time off days. This way the company acknowledged that there were days people needed to take off whether it was because they were sick, had to do some personal business, or just needed a mental break from the stress. Best of all it was paid .

andrew_37 avatar
Thee Morris
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think its fair. I've got a team of 6 that work for me. Two days ago one of them had a real s****y day, he couldn't take it of as I really needed him so he just smoked a joint to relax and cracked on with it . Personally I don't smoke dope but for some people thats what they need to unwind so its important to let people do what they think is best for them!

shoffer77 avatar
Sarah Hoffer
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The job I just got let go from, I got only 3 sick days and 5 days vacation a year. Its the worst I've ever gotten. I burned through those sick days in the first part of the year thanks to my co-workers sharing and had a cold for 2 months that I couldn't stay home to take care of.

xlblackopslx avatar
Kenneth Overturf
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Big problem where I work if using vacation time for mental health time, you have to plan that mental health time 2 weeks in advance. Not so with sick time.

jsterr1 avatar
Jim Sterrett
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think @movntainwoman should be a little more hesitant to advertise on social media that she lied about her reasons for sick days . that kinda thing gets back to employers really quickly. i worked at a place where girl called in sick. later on that day posted pics while at the beach. needless to say she had a rude awakening next time she decided to come in

13handstandattempts avatar
Simply Jenn
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe instead of looking at mental health days as "sick" days we should look at mental health days as "wellness" days.

candicef avatar
candice F
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stop and think if all those people who walked into a factory or office and shot everyone, had been allowed a mental health day off ... hmmm... what do you think about that boss ? :)

jerry-mathers-73 avatar
Jerry Mathers
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have been thinking about this since I read it. Normally I find myself arguing against the whole American wage-slave mentality that we have here in the states. But I think this can fall under the other side of the coin. I read her email. And I asked myself "if I hired a contractor to redo my home floors and received this, how would I react". And I have to say, I wouldn't be happy. I also wouldn't be happy if I were the co-worker(s) that had to cover to for her with no warning, as this email seems to indicate. I think what is missing is context. If she does have mental health issues, it's the same as being sick. If she's a regular person that's burnt out, then schedule some time off. But if she is just not feeling it that day, sometimes you need to suck it up and press on. I would rather see us work toward a shorter work week, better wages & benefits, and more time off than open the door to this slippery slope.

vernz4x4 avatar
Kevin Hanson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My wife was diagnosed with matastic breast cancer two years ago,she's still fighting and going,I've needed a few mental days too,and my boss has been great and realizes I've needed them

ruppert1986 avatar
Christopher Ruppert
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mental health day for an office worker.....Im a firefighter and a lead medic, the stuff I see at work are unimaginable at times, and if I called in and said I needed a mental health day, I would be suspended.....and I'm pretty damn sure I need mental health days more than people in normal professions. So kudos to her CEO for understanding the human element involved in his corporation, and not treating his employee like a number and nothing more.

lconnerabc avatar
Larry Conner
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess it's OK if the CEO emails his customers with a "Sorry we can't fulfil our contract because we had too many mental health days off".

patriciaross avatar
Patricia Ross
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I literally saw a co-worker have a horrible break down because of stress right on the job. So my answer is: If you need to take a day or two to keep the sanity...TAKE IT!

laineysback avatar
Elaine Lowe
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can no longer work but in the past I've left 'depression' off when applying for jobs because no employer would of employed me otherwise

erwin_hekkert avatar
Erwin Hekkert
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do think it's wise for a company to treat mental health the same as physical health. The problem is see is that claiming you need a few sick days for your mental health is harder to check than actually being ill and therefor it will be more prone to people faking it.

dianacrunchewywatson avatar
Diana CrunChewy Watson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I need a mental health day, I just call in sick with "a**l glaucoma," because I can't see my a*s going in to work that day.

ldater avatar
bigoldthor
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, yes, we all agree mental health is important. Problem is it's become a punchline and is way too easy to abuse. You can literally use it for any absurd reason to take time off work, and god help anyone who dares question you, since "mental health" is not to be questioned. Late night on Netflix? I need a mental health day. Gotta catch up on filling out warranty cards? Yep, mental health day. Need to rearrange your sock drawer or replace all the light switch covers in your house? You guessed it...mental health day. YAY MENTAL HEALTH!!!! Sadly, the 10% who may genuinely need it will often be met with skepticism because of the 90% who would abuse it. How about just handling your business on your own time and do your job, buttercup? The one you are PAID to do. Most of these companies are for profit organizations...they are not intended to be havens for social experimentation. If you're really "sick", just go to the doctor or call in sick.

silverdragonkelly avatar
Kelaerin Greenleaf
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What people are missing here is, vacation is PLANNED time off (usually)...and it's USUALLY spent with others for FUN (which is for mental health as well), but SICK leave is for acute, usually unplanned emergency situations...or appointments for doctors visits. THAT is the fundamental difference. And mental health sick days are NOT vacations. They are not fun. They are, at best, recuperative...like when you are recuperating from the flu.

ponytrekker avatar
pony trekker
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would get 4400 passive aggressive emails and 39 passive aggressive phone calls.

ponytrekker avatar
pony trekker
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Glad she didn't get 40 passive aggressive phone calls and emails.

mybeachpaint avatar
Rob West
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's great that it works in their particular situation. In my situation, it really hurts the whole system and the customers when someone is out sick. A month for de-stressing? Give me a break. I would say, if your job causes you that much mental grief, perhaps it time to find a new job? Not every industry can work like this. Hell, web development can be done from home.

jillyv53 avatar
Jill Vanderberg
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely! I don't think there should be a separation between mental health and physical health issues. Both contribute to an employee's performance. Too bad most insurance companies and employers disagree on this. I congratulate your boss and his ability to see the need for mental health days. Very progressive and supportive... you are very fortunate to have this guy as your boss!

salome_jansen01 avatar
Salomé Daftari
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually i do, but only with fantastic employees, if she/ he manage to use this to stay at home everytime she/ he wants and not working really good, i will not be that patient.

paul_viers avatar
Paul Viers
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work in the SUD/ MH fields. These are DEFINITELY not the same. In a MH program you have a regimented schedule. On vacation it's your choice. PPL that link them obviously don't understand. Society might catch up to the reality of this...

lemontzzaide avatar
lemontzz aide
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We do NEED days off 4 mental health - we constantly output but never INPUT! If we get a virus we get sick days. We are not just 'body' - we are MIND & body! The mind needs attention, care & a break too just like anything else. "Maintenance mode' He is truly an unusual employer!

rebekahdowney avatar
Rebekah Downey
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I personally suffer from severe anxiety and depression, and I have a high stress job. I take days off for mental health when things get really bad because I literally can't function if I don't. When I have pushed myself too hard in the past, I've suffered anxiety attacks at work. My boss knows all about my afflictions, and he supports me taking time for myself when I need it. Every company should recognize anxiety as a legitimate excuse to take time off as mental health days. I know in CA, anxiety and depression are protected by companies as a disability and are given the same consideration as someone with Autism, etc.

michael_kondakov avatar
Michael Kondakov
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The CEO's answer seems deeply sarcastic to me. But that's just me.

abirex avatar
Abby Rexroth
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The difference between a vacation and sick leave is that vacation is used to decompress from stress and sick leave is to get much needed $$ back because of missed hours due to sickness-mental or physical.

felipe_meyer avatar
Felipe Meyer
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Standart in my company The Human Psyche is Saint for me and untouchable !! We all have take care of the mental health of each others!!!!! WEll done !!

gaijin112 avatar
Miku Miku
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Panda changed and I am disappointed. A few years later it was eautifl page with lot of ideas and DY things and now it it more more this click on surprising posts. What is the message of this post anyway? Girl took two days of and boss replied that is ok. Story of the century. Please be as before!

traceymartens avatar
Tracey Martens
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look at the conversation this generated. I don't think your wish is going to be granted ;) .

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jaybird3939 avatar
Janine Randall
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My company had "PTO" Paid Time Off. You didn't have to declare if you were sick or on vacay, but if it was unplanned and longer than 4 days, you needed a dr's note.

miarennie avatar
Mia Rennie
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yaaaas! mental health is very important! people can sometimes die of depression and anxiety.

jordan_samuel avatar
Jordan Samuel
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Vacations are for Pleasure. They may indeed be beneficial for mental health as well as physical health, that statement is made in error however.

dotcartman_1 avatar
Diane Serpa
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just saw a bumper sticker that said "24-7 CEO". That guy is totally dying at 50 of an unspecified cause and leaving his partner to care for their kids. Because they always have kids and a beleaguered partner. It's like "How many people can I drag down with me?"

ktkat3024 avatar
Kate Baxter
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I suffered for years from chronic depression. Finally, my psychiatrist, had me admitted to a local mental hospital facility for six months. When I came back to work I found out that my supervisor had searched my desk for evidence that I had 'planned all this' and was faking it to get a holiday. I had mentioned to him about 10 months before that someone had tried to sell me 'disability insurance' and what a rip off it was. He was looking for that documentation (needless to say I hadn't bought it) to prove I was faking it. Who fakes depression so they can get admitted to the nut house?? What an a*****e that man was. So were my coworkers who thought the same thing.

littlegreycells avatar
Donna Oades
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow that is awful. Did you report him? I can't believe anyone would think that someone would plan to get admitted to a psych unit. I don't know what it was like for you , but for me, my time in the psych unit was the most traumatic thing of all! I saw horrendous things, was treated horrendously (I still have nightmares about it now, nearly a decade later) and seriously, people in prison have more privledges and are treated better than we were in that unit. It's not like it's some luxury health spa where people go to "relax" and "replenish", it's hell. I almost think your employer should have been forced to try it for a week and see how it was totally NOT somewhere you'd plan to go!

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dotcartman_1 avatar
Diane Serpa
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never would have thought of it this way but I get it! Vacations can be hectic, take a while to plan or at least give you adrenaline even if they are good for brains to have new experiences. A mental health day or half day just to get away from people that cause you stress is totally different. It doesnt have to be "later suckers!" It could just be "Ugh, can I just rest for a bit?"

susan_19 avatar
Susan Allen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At my last job (before I went freelance and then started my own company), there *were* no sick days. If you were sick or needed a mental health day, you took vacation time, or it was unpaid. We were encouraged to stay home if we were ill, so as not to infect others, but not given any days beyond our vacation days to do it - and vacation days were no more liberal than most companies, so there weren't even extra vacation days to help cover illness. This led to people still coming to work sick, because they were out of vacation days (or didn't want to use them) and didn't want to stay home unpaid.

endelbendel avatar
endelbendel
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You understand boss was tongue in cheek and was scolding her.

donnabannigan avatar
Donna Bannigan
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Trying to get any support for mental health issues, other than from doctors, is so difficult. My issues mean I am unable to work, and yet I'm having to get evaluated, and justify my problems, to stop the government forcing me into looking for a job, when they won't take me with my issues, and I'll get even worse from the constant rejection, and mis-treatment from the people in charge. I lost my last job from a combination of mental and physical ill health, because they had no idea how to make it easier for me to do my job. Any suggestions I made were met with "it's not possible." I would love a boss who was open to mental health days. Stress is the cause of a huge number of sick leave requests, and taking a day to refresh the mind can make the world of difference to your physical health as well.

merrishawk avatar
Merris Hawk
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think if given the opportunity, people will take advantage of any excuse to get out of a day's work, this is unfortunately one of those ways and it makes it nearly impossible to be sympathetic to those that need this kind of time.

myantd avatar
Donna Hoffert
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why do we have to call it sick leave? Why can't we call it "wellness days". To take a sick day is to take care of our physical health. What do we call taking care of our mental health - which, if not taken care of, will absolutely lead to physical problems??? With repeated/frequent down turns in the economy the employees are repeatedly asked to do more and more and they are burning out quicker. We need to refine what sick days are and call them wellness days instead.

lemonshiloh avatar
Lemonshiloh
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope...no mental health days, per se. Figure out how to include your own personal health days in your sick time or vacation.

noelmc7 avatar
Arclight
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...really? her boss is a dumbass, that's referred to as malingering

penelope_l_penderhausen avatar
Penelope Penderhausen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Fortune 500 company I worked for gave PTO (paid time off) that is calculated by the number of years you have worked for the company. I had 5 weeks of scheduled PTO every year to use as I pleased. Mental health, vacation, sick leave under 3 days. Any sick leave leave over 3 days needed the obligatory Dr. note or, for more serious illness, STD (short term disability) or FMLA (family and medical leave act). I could rarely use all of my PTO so carried over the maximum allowed of 40 hours every year. The rest would be lost, unfortunately.

chrisclemens avatar
Chris Clemens
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I imagine that if your a hard working employe and a real asset to your company then your boss won't think your trying to get one over on him/her! Also there are other ways to improve your mental health! My company (Life Leadership) produced an app called Rascal Radio its like Pandora but is full of personal and professional development! I have found this to be one of the best ways I'm working on my own mental health as well as getting around a community of positive thinkers.

emilyhorler avatar
Emily Horler
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I requested a mental health sick day at my previous job. My manager seemed understanding, but when I returned to work the following day and a member of staff from another department was off sick, my manager made a 'joke' about how a depression bug must be going round. She said this to someone else but whilst stood right next to me. It made me feel awful and didn't exactly encourage me to be that transparent in future. It's a shame not all employers are as supportive as this one.

kll801 avatar
Kathy Daly
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

seems to me she should not have been referencing your health off hand like that with another employee, mental or physical. At my last job that would be a problem.

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renerivera300 avatar
René Rivera
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Considering today's climate and the value of money given the a'hole in charge, I'd say we should be allowed 5 mental health days per month by law. Workplaces that chastise for it should be heavily scrutinized and even penalized if it's found that the employee were terminated as a result.

madjax1 avatar
Kira Grace
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How about working for a place who decides to call your housing development to check on your reason for calling out when it's your 3rd one in 7 months?! Unfortunately I work in an at will state so they can fire for any reason or no reason at all. They run unethically & show favoritism. Love the job I do ans a hard working employee but it's really a smack in the face when uniform rules are not followed. And the Hr person is a complete joke. Clearly the place I work has been living in a bubble.

madjax1 avatar
Kira Grace
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have to ask... how would you guys feel if on the 3rd day in 6 months you call off, your job calls your housing complex to verify reason for said call off? Wish all places were as respectful of their hard working employees. Mine however likes to make sure you're available on weekends & holidays, promise a flex time that is only for a select few (which?! Your guess is as good as mine) and run an uneithical game. Worst part... live in an at will state so they could fire me at any time for any reason or no reason at all. Boss doesn't like the fact that I don't socialize & get personal. It's a hard hit to take. Need the job, love the work, hate the flat out disrespectful actions.

barbu_varvara avatar
Barbu Varvara
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm glad Madalyn, who works in a software company, has so much support from her colleagues. Together for a better Bitdefender and Kaspersky!

noiramezteog avatar
Marion Goetze
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get the same as someone previously mentioned... some pamphlets on "well-being" in the workplace.

angela_erickson avatar
Angela Erickson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not sure what would be better - separate vacay and sick leave. PTO may help with confidentiality. I really don't want people to know why I am off work - none of their biz if I am on vac or sick! Certainly understand if it's being abused.

stevenmanson avatar
Steven Manson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had a sign that encouraged us to call in sick....but the boss would call that afternoon "Theres no one able to cover your route...."

juniperberry8190 avatar
Juniper Berry
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meanwhile I take off bc of a fever and the next day my boss is all "the tasks weren't done since you were gone" ... sorry I was sick?

georgiastergiadis avatar
Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did this a few weeks back. I said that I had a friend coming down to Melbourne from Queensland (which was true); but what no one realised was that I really needed a break from everything. My mental health has been all over the place. Since I took that week off, I feel recharged. I wish that one day, a mental health break becomes standard across all companies. A lot of people need that, as things can get too much. Not just work, but life can do that as well.

markfuller avatar
Mark Fuller
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. That was brave. But delighted with the response. It'd be interesting to know if you had discussed MH with your employer beforehand.

jalegge avatar
Ja Legge
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't believe what cohen said. We don't have plenty of vacation days to take sometimes. It's nothing wrong to use sick days.

jevais avatar
jevais
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why does the Great America not have normal laws concerningly sick and vacation time? The American government could be helped by the European governments to set up a proper law on separating vacation time from sick leave. Also if this strange government stopped make wars, money could be invested into more social services. Also if the big boss and owners of companies looked at how things are managed here in Europe they could also earn a bit less and give 4 to 5 weeks of vacation and sick leave that would be paid.

ldater avatar
bigoldthor
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good lord, there is so much wrong with your post it's hard to know where to begin. I'll just say this: who the heck do you think pays for all these grand social programs and government mandated leave policies? Yep. You and I do, either in the form of MUCH higher taxes or much higher costs for goods and services. There are no free rides, sonny boy. Someone has to pay for it in one way or another. How much do you pay in overall taxes in the "Great European" country where you live? I'm talking how much of your gross income is net disposable for you after all your taxes are combined? How much do you pay for gasoline? A gallon of mik? A loaf of bread? That's what I thought. EVERYTHING costs someone, somewhere, something. Yes, this includes mental health days or whatever you want to call it. Not saying we don't need them...I know I do from time to time...but let's not be naive, blind, or stupid and think there are no costs associated with it.

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jevais avatar
jevais
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is very hard all ready to admit that one suffers from some mental health problems, that these awful comments that the person should take the time off on their vacation are just ludicrous! I don't wish on anybody to have such health problems, but if those who judge where in the shoes of one who suffers from such illness for just one month, they who surely think otherwise... One does not choose to be ill. So those who have never been ill just feel lucky and happy that life has spared you, but don't you dare think you are better because of it. Life can change and you too might become also ill. How would you feel if others judged you????

deducky avatar
De Ducky
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So who do I contact to get a job at Madalyn's company? :)

timmy-slapstick avatar
Johnny Slapstick
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, wait, is she mentally unstable? Why not just take a sick day?

jjlind4him avatar
J Lindeen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahh, yes a new name just for the precious snowflakes as they timidly enter the workforce! Normally, we call it playing hooky! Just think, I did it wrong for so many years by sucking it up believing others depended on me to do my job. Little did I know at the time that my employer's sole purpose for starting their business was just to give me a job!!

ermergerditbecky avatar
Becca The Bear
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people actually have mental health conditions. Not everyone is emotionless like you. We actually need time out because otherwise we have no will to get out of bed.

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blaasdf2 avatar
Hugo Raible
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Still not clear whether she suffers from an actual mental health condition or is just stressed out...

jlhall13 avatar
porcupine
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm taking a wild guess and saying she just wanted a couple of days off. People with real health issues, mental or otherwise, don't typicallysend mass emails to their coworkers about them, and REALLY don't try to get famous of off their illness by spreading it on social media.

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Stuart Hausrath
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

whata load of s**t if i did this in my work place i would be laughed at.....if anyone done this to me i would s**t on them grow up and get on with your job.

georgiastergiadis avatar
Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Try having a complete mental breakdown after years of suffering; to a point that you cannot function in and out of work, then you can speak. You think you know what it's like to have what a person like me has; bipolar, BPD and anxiety disorder? It's not! It's like having a demon living inside you, and it wont come out unless you've had weeks/months of therapy, and a few screaming matches. It's like living in complete darkness. It sucks the life out of you!

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Dejan Tomic
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ya all just should and move to the some of the third world countries such as Serbia is (it's a country in europe) and see what happens if u state something like this... :-)

tiddlesworth avatar
Bob 2.0
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But we aren't in a third world country. I hate to sound like a redneck, but this is America, so stop acting like it isn't.

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Full Name
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've worked many jobs where getting physically hurt outside of work meant no more work until you were better. Construction, assembly etc. I'm not sure how I feel about this. It's an interesting debate for sure. It's something that would have to be on a case-by-case basis with the judgement being given by your immediate supervisor or someone more familiar with you and your situation than you being just an entry on a data sheet. It's not something that should be given equally to all.

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Mary Witt
Community Member
6 years ago

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I guess it depends on what your mental health is like,if you're a complete fruit loop by all means take some time off to get unlooped

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Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You wouldn't like to be called a "fruit loop", so why do you use that term to describe mentally ill people?

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lazy panda
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I take it you have never had major depression or anxiety? If you had, you would know that bouts can strike at any time.

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Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait until you get so depressed that you can't function properly, then we will talk. You wouldn't like the term "suck it up, buttercup". When you're that mentally ill, it's impossible to just suck it up. Once your mental health is affected, your personal/social life is affected, then your work is too.

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Augus Zaragoza
Community Member
6 years ago

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If you are considering taking a day or more off work because of mental health issues it can be understandable. You might be feeling overworked or down. To me however it's just not a good excuse. I have enough time in my week to refresh out of work so this may be different as with many people. I like to exercise often, eat healthy, balanced and get plenty of rest. For me if I wanted to take time off for mental health I would think it's a reason to not be at a place that I probably don't want to be at that badly. If I weren't in the best mood but really liked my job I'd still want to show up. If I found myself in such a situation then I would perhaps consider looking for another job, if that's possible, because whatever work type and amount I'm at now seems like the upper limit of what I'm willing to handle.

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Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Being overworked/down, is completely different to being so mentally unwell, to a point that you feel as though you're going to just have a mental breakdown. It's good that you have time to get rest, and get exercise and eat well. I applaud you for that. Some of us just haven't got the time. I suffer from bipolar, BPD and anxiety disorder. In the last 12 months, we lost 4 family members, and everything in between got too much to a point that I was screaming everyday to let it all out. Eventually, I used my annual leave as a mental health break. I also do acting on the side, so I really don't have the time to just relax.

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Toby Chapman
Community Member
6 years ago

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im sorry I relay hope this is a joke. a disabled person who relay wants to work but has been put on the medical register of unavalibity to work due to them having downs syndrome or autism or other disability's including solders with PTSD " real stories" it is morally repressible for anyone to calm days off for an undefined mental illness. I believe that disabled people are treated appallingly in this country and by taking days off for UNDIFINED mental illness your employer should sack you and employ one of them they will be hugely more grateful and a s**t lot more reliable even when suffering with far more than just stress and depression

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Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do agree that the disabled in any country are treated unfairly; but telling a mentally ill person that they should be sacked because they took a day off to look after themselves, is totally uncalled for. I'm guessing that you've never been depressed before, right? If you have, then you should be ashamed of yourself. Some people can deal with their mental illness, others can't. Sometimes, we need a few weeks off to sort it out. I know this because I have bipolar, BPD and anxiety disorder. I work full-time, hardly take any days off work, do acting on the side and I see my psychologist every few weeks. My mental state this year has not been the best, that's why I'm in therapy at the moment; and took a week off work a few weeks ago to keep myself sane. That's the only break I had this year.

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Stuart Hausrath
Community Member
6 years ago

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whata load of s**t if i took time off my work for the same reasons i would be laughed at and i would s**t on anyone that done it to me.......grow up and get on with it

tiddlesworth avatar
Bob 2.0
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

(Hey. A*****e. Some people have mental health issues. Don't be an insensitive bastard.)

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Michael Garrett
Community Member
6 years ago

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Well if work is stressing you out that much, find another job. Better yet, don't work. Is this nation becoming so sensitive that everyday matters stress people to the breaking point? Raising children is also stressful, do we need to take mental health time off from that? Is it paid time-off? Can I get insurance for being a parent? Yes folks, I am being sarcastic. Society just needs to grow-the-hell-up.

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Jeanna
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are very insensitive to people with mental health issues. I hope you meet someone one day who opens your eyes. Also, how is "not working" an option for anyone except the very rich? You are clueless about the real world.

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Rich Bonenfant
Community Member
6 years ago

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Only a woman could keep her job and be this coddled.

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Bob 2.0
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good lord, I thought you people went away when women got the vote. F**k you.

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Emily Frees
Community Member
6 years ago

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And what if the employer him/herself takes a mental health day ? Are you OK with not getting paid for those times ? I don't think so ! Owners have a business to run ! Few people FEEL like going to work when the alarm goes off, but are into it once they arrive. And I DON'T like the way she called off--er, emailed off--THAT morning. Not much work ethic there. I vote NO to mental health days off.

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Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, let's wait until you suffer so badly from mental health issues, then we will talk! I had to take a week off due to a mental breakdown, but took that leave from my paid annual leave as I have accrued a lot of leave as I hardly take days off. I have bipolar, BPD and anxiety, and everything got too much. I work full-time, I do acting on the side, and I've had those illnesses for 14 years. It's like living in hell with the things I have. Sometimes, you can keep it under control, sometimes you can't and need to have a break from everything, and to get professional help.

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Sophie G
Community Member
6 years ago

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I should never become a boss coz mois reply would be "are you nuts??" (followed by a jk, take all the time u need)

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giovanna
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I CAN'T believe the comment that compares vacation to "mental health needs". Sure you go on vacation to get relief from stress, but do ppl really still ignore the difference between stress and depression? Unbelievable.

linda_nolan1 avatar
Linda Nolan
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes they do. As well, Ppl think a mental health day is an excuse for "retail therapy". When one suffers from an illness like depression or anxiety the last thing you want to do is go out shopping!

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Hans
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you are ill, you should not come to work, and that is strongly in the interest of the employer. What might be misleading in her quote is the "refreshed", which might make people think that "mental health issue" equals "being a bit worn out" and refreshing means "taking a day on the bright side of life". The boss' attitude is not really surprising though, if she works in an environment of agile software development. Typically, the people are not seen as "human ressources" in such a context but respected for their contributions.

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Ulrike Mergenthaler
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For us Germans this concept is iust so strange. Depending on your employer ou have 5-6 weeks (legal min-max) vacation per year and when you are sick, you are sick. Your doctor decides and writes a note.

jenni_1 avatar
Jenni Bearden
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most companies in the US only give 2 weeks' paid vacation per year, and that often only starts AFTER you've been with the company for a full year. It also used to be common to additionally have 5 sick days per year, but many companies now do not offer this and instead have you use your vacation time towards being sick. They often require a doctor's note if you don't put in for time off in advance. On top of that, supervisors and managers will often criticize workers for taking sick days, and sometimes even for taking vacation days. It is a really messed up system here!

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Jeanna
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have done this but I had to lie and say I had the flu or something physical (not mental) because people still don't understand depression, or side effects of anti-depressants.

jevais avatar
jevais
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel very sad about the way it is the States. If the companies big boss and the top guns of goverment didn'dt have slaves to do the work or go to war, who would then? Not having any respect for those who built their country is totally unfaire and horrible. USA will never be great until basic human rights are applied.

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Maciek Ravs
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you need day or few to fix your mental health do it! After a nervous breakdown and when you go on meds when you get depression, you will not be productive in your work and for your employer anyway. Boss who care about own employers and company interest should understand that.

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Bill Monaghan
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I call my boss and tell her "I'm calling in sick" she knows I may not be physically ill, or even particularly mentally ill. She just gets I need an unexpected day or two off and doesn't need to know why. I don't abuse the privilege, but I use it. I work in a relentlessly top-down environment and I'm lucky to have a decent human being as a boss.

ivana_valeriani avatar
Ivana Viviano
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do believe that there are a lot of understanding individuals in leadership roles, but they are definitely a minority. When you are lucky to find one, hang on and don't let go. Some "hidden" benefits are priceless.

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Daria B
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If only our company's system respected even our physical health... We only have a limited number of permitted day-offs, and sickness is no extra. Unless you are almost dying in a hospital. If you use those days for sickness, you can say good-bye to holidays.

giovannat1979 avatar
giovanna
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really? I don't know how it works in the US. Where I live you have a yearly amount of days of paid vacation, but sick days don't get into the count. Sick days are whenever you need them, given that a doctor certifies you are really sick.

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Naomi Vogel Meredith
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pleasantly shocked by the CEos response. My daughter killed herself 3 years ago and while I was still working after that, I needed several mental health days and my company was very understanding. I even let my son take mental health days from school after her death. We needed to take care of us.

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Bunny Sevex
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My brother just passed away of the same thing, we were very close. Anyways working at a place free overtime and everything for over a year and needed to take a week to say goodbye and help the funeral, and come straight back in.then my employer told me to "cheer up or they would have a problem" so I quit and they made my life hell for quitting

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Lauren Spaduzzi
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see that a lot of these comments are suggesting that she shouldn't take time off just because it wouldn't fit within the PTO policy of another employer. Your personal situation or the policy on time off at your own company, should not dictate the actions of others. If her company allows her to take time off, then its her prerogative to use it as she sees fit. Likewise, if you dislike the policies of your own company, then it is your prerogative to seek alternative employment. And just for the record, I work in the US and my company gives me 20 days of PTO per year and that does not account for sick leave. I would like to see the source from the commenter that suggested most US companies only give 2 weeks of leave.

andreajones avatar
Andrea Jones
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not writing to dispute what Lauren has said, I'm genuinely curious - never had more than two weeks PTO, with sick days counting for the total - two different states, both "right to work" states. Wondering how others compare.

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mdhm avatar
Mark Hayman-Martinez
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think I take my bosses for granted. I think either of them would have been just as supportive, if not more! Here's to the people who get it that a happy worker does better work!

angela_kallstrom avatar
Angela Kallstrom
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My last employer told me if I need time off like that (I've been diagnosed with generalized anxiety, social phobia, and moderate to severe depression) I needed to look into getting paperwork from Americans with Disabilities Act. My doctor filled out leave of absence paperwork to use. We need more companies to realize the importance of mental health.

georgiastergiadis avatar
Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I totally agree with you. I recently had to use my annual leave as a mental health break for one week. Everything got too much.

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yesica1993 avatar
Yesica1993
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem is that every little thing is called a "mental health" issue these days. Who doesn't have some anxiety and stress in their lives for whatever reason? Good grief, I'm dealing with a major health family health crisis, I've been unemployed/under employed for years, and all the rest. I work from home as best I can. I don't get to "take a mental health" day. I work part time and I HAVE to get all the hours I can in order to pay my bills. Plus, I have to deal with the family situation. That's life for most people. They don't get a day off for "mental health." It really is getting ridiculous.

celslade avatar
CelSlade
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the core problem here is people still distinguishing between 'mental health' and 'physical health'. They are one and the same thing - the two are in such a clear feedback loop that trying to distinguish between them is senseless. Health is health and if you need to take time off to take care of your health then employers need to respect that.

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CelSlade
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To clarify - I agree with the employee's choice to take time off for her mental health, and applaud her honesty. I do not agree with those comments which try to imply that 'mental health' issues should not be considered 'health issues'.

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Nathalie Cue Gomez
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just got fired because of taking 5 days off for a very bad cold which I caught at work from other colegues too afraid to take days off for sickness. So, I will not imagine what will happen taking days off for mental health care.

georgiastergiadis avatar
Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's so unfair. I don't know which country you reside in, but here in Australia, you can report the company to the Fair Work Ombudsman, and take them to court for doing that to you. I hope you find a better job soon.

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Matt Myers
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

good luck trying this bit if you're a man, or work at a job that actually requires you to actually DO anything. can guarantee the CEO of taco bell is not going to send you a personal tweet to congratulate you for taking a couple days off of taco-stuffing so you can bravely concentrate on "self-care", you lily white millennial buttercups.

martinw avatar
Martin
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's today's snowflake society, I doubt the dishwasher at a diner gets days of for "stress" deal-59687...c69226.gif deal-5968701c69226.gif

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jlhall13 avatar
porcupine
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get it. I get the need to take a mental health day, but something about this whole thing is just so irksome. I may be a bit biased because this girl just LOOKS like she'd be obnoxious (why so many pictures of her, btw?), but her email and the fact that she sent it to her whole "team" gets under my skin. If you're taking a mental health day, don't do it like this.

littlegreycells avatar
Donna Oades
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's what I was trying to get across in my wayyy-too-long post haha. Your last sentence sums it up; if you're taking a mental health day (which I really think should just be called a sick day, because that's what it is) then this isn't the best way to go about it.

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Sarah Katz
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if the response would have been as congenial (or come from the CEO) if she were in a non-technical position. As a developer, she is hardly expendable.

ivana_valeriani avatar
Ivana Viviano
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am sure it would have been the same. You do realize he didn't have to write anything at all, but he obviously has a human side that pushed him to do so. I bet that that very human side would have made him feel the same towards any employee. Here's the problem in the workplace: insinuating comments from those who are envious when they witness efficiency, success and kindness in one single package.

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J.E.C.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't worry in 10 years all employers will be required to give 10 mental health days a year to employees.

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kjorn avatar
Kjorn
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the problem with that it's many... and MANY people will use that excuse even if they didn't need it.

newdawn_guardian avatar
Leni
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If they feel the need to use it as an excuse perhaps on some level they did need it.

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Wanda Queen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not a matter of "deserve" it's a matter of need. The word choice, to me, is telling. Mental health matters, and should be seen as a serious issue. Taking time off because you're not feeling mentally well is as necessary as taking time off because you're not physically well.

repearllyn avatar
John Lacey
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If a doctor says you need time off for mental issues then yes, it should come off your sick leave. If you self diagnose your mental health then I'm not so sure. "I'm not coming in today because I think I have malaria, I'm not going to get a second opinion you should just believe me"

ismailyaseen6 avatar
Muhammed Ismail
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone that suffers from mental health issues, I can attest to fact that most doctors, or at least the ones I can afford, have no clue on how to treat mental issues. They usually just prescribe some s****y meds that make me more sick. A year or two ago, I decided that whenever I feel some mental illness brewing, I take a day off from work, chill at home, smoke weed and play games. This has worked really great for me and actually allows me to be at work more often. Previously, I would have endured the agony until I land myself up in hospital and have to take an entire week, sometimes 2, in order to recover. FYI: Software developer here and if you're wondering why I can't just wait for weekend to chill... weekends are not chilled, weekends are for cleaning and taking care of life's admin, for being happy so that you don't make the people around you miserable thus making yourself even more miserable.

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tbbaot
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it's a vacation day and it's requested in advance then who cares what you do with the time. If your calling out sick for mental reasons, who do you think has to cover your work load while you are out? Yup...your coworkers. Not a smart thing to do to them either.

jcastek avatar
J.E.C.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

not all jobs require someone to pick up your slack when you are out.

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Lori Thompson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am fully in support of mental health days for those of us truly affected by mental health issues. (I have bipolar disorder and BPD) However, I see people abusing it, saying with a laugh that they needed a "mental health" day. Maybe a doctor's note?

monkeystikx avatar
Herb Eaversmells
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good for her on speaking up, maybe that is her intent to bring awareness to the issue. But if you have time off to use, you really don't need to give context of why you are taking off.

skimedickc avatar
David Wilson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a manager I realize there are two options when it comes to employees. The question you have to ask yourself is do you want a stump that shows up to work or do you want a highly productive member of your team. I personally can't afford stumps so I encourage my folks to take a break if they need it... BUT not to abuse it! Some do of course but that is par for the course and can be dealt with separately.

hc_akidoki avatar
Akidoki HC
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do believe in separating sick leave and vacation. They are two different categories that have nothing to do than both are days off. But the big question is still how honest are the employees in asking the sick leave. Real sick or real abuser of the trust of the company's kindness? I doubt that most are honest because I see it at work place often that colleagues report ill but actually were taking children to the park or shopping in town.

kaysmom23 avatar
Revgirl2017
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone's mental health is different.. how many lives could be potentially be saved if right before someone snapped they were able to take a mental health day with no issues or questions... look at the big picture.

lew_kimball avatar
Lew Kimball
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an RN, the hospital I work at doesn't even require a reason fir call off unless it exceeds 3 shifts in a row. It does, however, request that we call each day, and give at least 7 hrs notice prior to start of shift. The amazing part of this policy: we actually still acrue PTO hrs ON THE PTO HOURS USED!!! First place I've ever heard of that.

jlhall13 avatar
porcupine
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well that's because nurses are angels on earth and are the hardest working people I've ever seen. Seriously, you guys are amazing and deserve it.

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Carmen Hernandez-Lara
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just as people are so open to talk about a flu we all should be open to discuss our mental health and ask for help. Good for her and her boss!

georgiastergiadis avatar
Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, I agree! Some people are ashamed to discuss their mental health issues, and that's quite sad. Some people tell us to never talk about it, as have I from family and some people I met over the years. Why should I not talk about it? Me speaking up could potentially save someones life.

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Cherié Terblanche
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Definitely... I worked for a medical insurance company, ironically enough, and they were soooo corrupt... anyway, I had developed depression due to combined personal and work related stress. They refused to give me my lunch hour earlier in a day once a week to go for therepy. I cracked and was later fired because of it. IF they'd just let me go to my sessions, I believe it wouldnt have happened. Its better to be at home crying than to have to explain yourself in a work environment OR try to help customers with a face looking like you walked into a brick wall. Just saying...

georgiastergiadis avatar
Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't believe that they did that to you! That's so unfair! I hope you heal soon, and stick to your therapy sessions. This is coming from a person who's also seeing a psychologist every few weeks for the same reasons.

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emreinar avatar
Emre
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Human Resources department's first responsibility is to take care of employees. Physical or mental doesn't matter. Human is the most important production factor to all kind of businesses. And the most of our investments are on well educated team workers. Employers must be aware of it.

peter-grisson avatar
Helping Panda
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Human Resources department's first responsibility is to take care of employees." What makes you think this? Are you just going by the name? As far as I can tell, in practice, their first responsibility is to protect the employer...

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Allie Orona
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What the boss did was amazing. Most bosses forget that we are incredibly stressed (talking about the average person right now) humans, rather than machines to be worked.

edmanley avatar
Ed Manley
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Employers must control costs. Tasks need to be completed on time and in budget. Teams must count on members to complete their part on time. Deadlines must be met. How do 'mental health days' contribute to any of that? In today's politically correct world it may not be acceptable to stand up for employer rights, but I will. During recovery from an accident in 1979 I have had 42 surgeries, many of them bone grafts and post-surgical infection-related, lost a leg, broke my neck, divorced, been buried by medical bills that drove me to bankruptcy and been diagnosed and treated for depression for many years. Unless I am in the hospital I go to work. I have for weeks on end worked with an IV bag hanging from my cubicle wall. When I retired and started my IT consultancy I employed six full-time and many contractors. I expect the same level of loyalty, attendance and effort from them that I gave my employer. If you can't do your job dependably get another.

ldater avatar
bigoldthor
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agreed. Employers should try to accommodate to a point, but ultimately the employee needs to do his job or move on.

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Marisa Barnes
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are a lot of comments on here calling this a luxury entitlement, that if this were a national policy requirement, workers would take advantage, and that since so many people have it worse how dare she use this incredible benefit with the support of her boss and co-workers. The US has one of the best work ethics of all the work forces in the world, and I say that both from data and experience. We deserve some of the perks that are enjoyed in our peer countries; imagine what our amazing work force could get done if we benefited from preventative care and stress reduction on a national level? Calling this lazy is the wrong attitude to have here. We've been working hard for generations to line the pockets of those who are rising above us in a widening class divide, without any of the huge advances in the base living wage, benefits, and family care that are enjoyed in most other countries of similar development/wealth.

ldater avatar
bigoldthor
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Although I generally disagree such policies or accommodations (abused), you do make an eye-opening and compelling point. Very well said.

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Richard Miller
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A company I worked for allowed its employees 4 additional annual leave days a year for what they termed 'duvet days'. We could, if we felt it necessary, take a days annual leave if we were to wake up one morning and feel so drained of energy that the very thought of getting up and ready for work was exhausting and a day under the duvet to recharge our batteries and rest our brains would guarantee a fresher, whole version of ourselves again on return to work, we were encouraged to take a 'duvet day'. To be honest, most people took one or two of the four we were able to take if required. The fact we were acknowledged for the mentally draining roles we were undertaking made us feel like an understood and cared for workforce. It also encouraged honesty and openness amongst colleagues. It can only be a good thing to support your staff in the way the CEO chose to and will have increased the level of respect his employees already will go have had for him.

dianacrunchewywatson avatar
Diana CrunChewy Watson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I need a mental health day, I just cal in sick with "a**l glaucoma," because I can't see my a*s going to work that day.

karlloepke avatar
Karl Loepke
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why on Earth do Americans want to be more like Europe? America is awesome for a lot of reasons. Work ethic is a big one. That being said, vacation and sick days are over in the same if you're a business owner. Either way, the employee isn't there, so just call them out of office days. Who cares what they use them for?

fitazahra avatar
fita zahra
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

some employees are lazyass. her boss knows her and some boss knows their employees. so it depends on the person performance in their work really.

betty_lycar avatar
Betty Lycar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the boss's response sounded a little bit sarcastic. "Every time you do... bla bla bla." So it's not a one-time thing. She took it as a positive response and it went viral and the boss sounds like a prince, so it all turned out positive. IMO

dhermanlmt avatar
Diane Phillips-Herman
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once took the afternoon off for Yankee opening day and my boss was fine with it. Be honest and make sure all your work gets done.

daisydog4 avatar
Heather Coates
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I pay into benefits off every check and sick pay is part of them. Bank has over 500 hours available in it but if you don't bring a note you don't get paid. But health care in Alberta is on a budget and the emergency rooms are cramped with horrific wait times but please while you feel like garbage go to the ER for about 6 hours to bring back a note that says you didn't feel well.but if you really hate that idea come to work not at your best and when they notice you are having trouble keeping your s**t together they will send you home because you are to ill to be there and it will pass to other employees. And if you want to be paid for your remaining hours go get a sick note. ovay Did I mention I WORK IN HEALTH CARE!!! Anyone who has taken leave for mental health issues within my area of work were slowly passively forced out and continually questioned if they are capable of doing the job or being told that they don't think they were ready to return and sent back on leave.

allanarose1996 avatar
Allana Rose
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too much stress can lead to mental health issues and those stresses often start from work related problems so of course we should all be able to take a "mental health day" off without stigma.

sweetthang_24 avatar
Kayla Tiede
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have depression and take medication to help manage it but I think why most employers don't do this is because a majority of people would abuse it like people do FMLA.

kathinka avatar
Katinka Min
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think people need more paid vacation days in the US!!! Or if people need a sick day, they should just take a sick day. Who cares if it's mental or physical health or both that is affected? To me, the whole thing seems slightly weird and attention seeking.

ldater avatar
bigoldthor
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pretty hard to run a business if people can just come and go as they please. Eventually the work has to get done, so the business has to decide whether to: (a) do nothing and let output and quality of services/products suffer and the morale of other employees suffer, leading to THEIR OWN mental health issues and absenteeism (snowball effect here), or (b) hire more people to cover for the absenteeism. In (b), the patients/clients/customers end up paying for those additional costs. Most businesses can't afford to add headcount ad infinitum. They have a responsibility to return profits to the owners/shareholders. If they don't, the owners look elsewhere to put their money. (Yes there are some greedy SOBs owners everywhere who seek exorbitant profits and don't give a chit about their employees. Screw them.

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Janice Mcmahon
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a compassionate boss,to truly understand her needs.More bosses could learn from him.

jalegge avatar
Ja Legge
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some jobs do give us mental exhaustion or stress, I don't see any problem taking a couple of days to rewind.

rohitgoel008 avatar
Rohit Goel
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mental health is rather more important than physical well-being.... a person with physical illness can still work because the drive force is working in the desired manner. Whereas in mentally unbalanced state, it’s not possible to focus... forget about the productivity.

medeirosmatt_13 avatar
Matthew Medeiros
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As long as every working citizen in the country does, than hell yea i am all for it. If it were something made mandatory for just officer workers i would be against it.

spirituz avatar
Jerry Hudson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Last company I worked at had a great method. Instead of calling them sick days. They called them personal time off days. This way the company acknowledged that there were days people needed to take off whether it was because they were sick, had to do some personal business, or just needed a mental break from the stress. Best of all it was paid .

andrew_37 avatar
Thee Morris
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think its fair. I've got a team of 6 that work for me. Two days ago one of them had a real s****y day, he couldn't take it of as I really needed him so he just smoked a joint to relax and cracked on with it . Personally I don't smoke dope but for some people thats what they need to unwind so its important to let people do what they think is best for them!

shoffer77 avatar
Sarah Hoffer
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The job I just got let go from, I got only 3 sick days and 5 days vacation a year. Its the worst I've ever gotten. I burned through those sick days in the first part of the year thanks to my co-workers sharing and had a cold for 2 months that I couldn't stay home to take care of.

xlblackopslx avatar
Kenneth Overturf
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Big problem where I work if using vacation time for mental health time, you have to plan that mental health time 2 weeks in advance. Not so with sick time.

jsterr1 avatar
Jim Sterrett
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think @movntainwoman should be a little more hesitant to advertise on social media that she lied about her reasons for sick days . that kinda thing gets back to employers really quickly. i worked at a place where girl called in sick. later on that day posted pics while at the beach. needless to say she had a rude awakening next time she decided to come in

13handstandattempts avatar
Simply Jenn
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe instead of looking at mental health days as "sick" days we should look at mental health days as "wellness" days.

candicef avatar
candice F
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stop and think if all those people who walked into a factory or office and shot everyone, had been allowed a mental health day off ... hmmm... what do you think about that boss ? :)

jerry-mathers-73 avatar
Jerry Mathers
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have been thinking about this since I read it. Normally I find myself arguing against the whole American wage-slave mentality that we have here in the states. But I think this can fall under the other side of the coin. I read her email. And I asked myself "if I hired a contractor to redo my home floors and received this, how would I react". And I have to say, I wouldn't be happy. I also wouldn't be happy if I were the co-worker(s) that had to cover to for her with no warning, as this email seems to indicate. I think what is missing is context. If she does have mental health issues, it's the same as being sick. If she's a regular person that's burnt out, then schedule some time off. But if she is just not feeling it that day, sometimes you need to suck it up and press on. I would rather see us work toward a shorter work week, better wages & benefits, and more time off than open the door to this slippery slope.

vernz4x4 avatar
Kevin Hanson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My wife was diagnosed with matastic breast cancer two years ago,she's still fighting and going,I've needed a few mental days too,and my boss has been great and realizes I've needed them

ruppert1986 avatar
Christopher Ruppert
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mental health day for an office worker.....Im a firefighter and a lead medic, the stuff I see at work are unimaginable at times, and if I called in and said I needed a mental health day, I would be suspended.....and I'm pretty damn sure I need mental health days more than people in normal professions. So kudos to her CEO for understanding the human element involved in his corporation, and not treating his employee like a number and nothing more.

lconnerabc avatar
Larry Conner
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess it's OK if the CEO emails his customers with a "Sorry we can't fulfil our contract because we had too many mental health days off".

patriciaross avatar
Patricia Ross
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I literally saw a co-worker have a horrible break down because of stress right on the job. So my answer is: If you need to take a day or two to keep the sanity...TAKE IT!

laineysback avatar
Elaine Lowe
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can no longer work but in the past I've left 'depression' off when applying for jobs because no employer would of employed me otherwise

erwin_hekkert avatar
Erwin Hekkert
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do think it's wise for a company to treat mental health the same as physical health. The problem is see is that claiming you need a few sick days for your mental health is harder to check than actually being ill and therefor it will be more prone to people faking it.

dianacrunchewywatson avatar
Diana CrunChewy Watson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I need a mental health day, I just call in sick with "a**l glaucoma," because I can't see my a*s going in to work that day.

ldater avatar
bigoldthor
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, yes, we all agree mental health is important. Problem is it's become a punchline and is way too easy to abuse. You can literally use it for any absurd reason to take time off work, and god help anyone who dares question you, since "mental health" is not to be questioned. Late night on Netflix? I need a mental health day. Gotta catch up on filling out warranty cards? Yep, mental health day. Need to rearrange your sock drawer or replace all the light switch covers in your house? You guessed it...mental health day. YAY MENTAL HEALTH!!!! Sadly, the 10% who may genuinely need it will often be met with skepticism because of the 90% who would abuse it. How about just handling your business on your own time and do your job, buttercup? The one you are PAID to do. Most of these companies are for profit organizations...they are not intended to be havens for social experimentation. If you're really "sick", just go to the doctor or call in sick.

silverdragonkelly avatar
Kelaerin Greenleaf
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What people are missing here is, vacation is PLANNED time off (usually)...and it's USUALLY spent with others for FUN (which is for mental health as well), but SICK leave is for acute, usually unplanned emergency situations...or appointments for doctors visits. THAT is the fundamental difference. And mental health sick days are NOT vacations. They are not fun. They are, at best, recuperative...like when you are recuperating from the flu.

ponytrekker avatar
pony trekker
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would get 4400 passive aggressive emails and 39 passive aggressive phone calls.

ponytrekker avatar
pony trekker
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Glad she didn't get 40 passive aggressive phone calls and emails.

mybeachpaint avatar
Rob West
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's great that it works in their particular situation. In my situation, it really hurts the whole system and the customers when someone is out sick. A month for de-stressing? Give me a break. I would say, if your job causes you that much mental grief, perhaps it time to find a new job? Not every industry can work like this. Hell, web development can be done from home.

jillyv53 avatar
Jill Vanderberg
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely! I don't think there should be a separation between mental health and physical health issues. Both contribute to an employee's performance. Too bad most insurance companies and employers disagree on this. I congratulate your boss and his ability to see the need for mental health days. Very progressive and supportive... you are very fortunate to have this guy as your boss!

salome_jansen01 avatar
Salomé Daftari
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually i do, but only with fantastic employees, if she/ he manage to use this to stay at home everytime she/ he wants and not working really good, i will not be that patient.

paul_viers avatar
Paul Viers
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work in the SUD/ MH fields. These are DEFINITELY not the same. In a MH program you have a regimented schedule. On vacation it's your choice. PPL that link them obviously don't understand. Society might catch up to the reality of this...

lemontzzaide avatar
lemontzz aide
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We do NEED days off 4 mental health - we constantly output but never INPUT! If we get a virus we get sick days. We are not just 'body' - we are MIND & body! The mind needs attention, care & a break too just like anything else. "Maintenance mode' He is truly an unusual employer!

rebekahdowney avatar
Rebekah Downey
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I personally suffer from severe anxiety and depression, and I have a high stress job. I take days off for mental health when things get really bad because I literally can't function if I don't. When I have pushed myself too hard in the past, I've suffered anxiety attacks at work. My boss knows all about my afflictions, and he supports me taking time for myself when I need it. Every company should recognize anxiety as a legitimate excuse to take time off as mental health days. I know in CA, anxiety and depression are protected by companies as a disability and are given the same consideration as someone with Autism, etc.

michael_kondakov avatar
Michael Kondakov
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The CEO's answer seems deeply sarcastic to me. But that's just me.

abirex avatar
Abby Rexroth
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The difference between a vacation and sick leave is that vacation is used to decompress from stress and sick leave is to get much needed $$ back because of missed hours due to sickness-mental or physical.

felipe_meyer avatar
Felipe Meyer
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Standart in my company The Human Psyche is Saint for me and untouchable !! We all have take care of the mental health of each others!!!!! WEll done !!

gaijin112 avatar
Miku Miku
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Panda changed and I am disappointed. A few years later it was eautifl page with lot of ideas and DY things and now it it more more this click on surprising posts. What is the message of this post anyway? Girl took two days of and boss replied that is ok. Story of the century. Please be as before!

traceymartens avatar
Tracey Martens
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look at the conversation this generated. I don't think your wish is going to be granted ;) .

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jaybird3939 avatar
Janine Randall
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My company had "PTO" Paid Time Off. You didn't have to declare if you were sick or on vacay, but if it was unplanned and longer than 4 days, you needed a dr's note.

miarennie avatar
Mia Rennie
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yaaaas! mental health is very important! people can sometimes die of depression and anxiety.

jordan_samuel avatar
Jordan Samuel
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Vacations are for Pleasure. They may indeed be beneficial for mental health as well as physical health, that statement is made in error however.

dotcartman_1 avatar
Diane Serpa
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just saw a bumper sticker that said "24-7 CEO". That guy is totally dying at 50 of an unspecified cause and leaving his partner to care for their kids. Because they always have kids and a beleaguered partner. It's like "How many people can I drag down with me?"

ktkat3024 avatar
Kate Baxter
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I suffered for years from chronic depression. Finally, my psychiatrist, had me admitted to a local mental hospital facility for six months. When I came back to work I found out that my supervisor had searched my desk for evidence that I had 'planned all this' and was faking it to get a holiday. I had mentioned to him about 10 months before that someone had tried to sell me 'disability insurance' and what a rip off it was. He was looking for that documentation (needless to say I hadn't bought it) to prove I was faking it. Who fakes depression so they can get admitted to the nut house?? What an a*****e that man was. So were my coworkers who thought the same thing.

littlegreycells avatar
Donna Oades
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow that is awful. Did you report him? I can't believe anyone would think that someone would plan to get admitted to a psych unit. I don't know what it was like for you , but for me, my time in the psych unit was the most traumatic thing of all! I saw horrendous things, was treated horrendously (I still have nightmares about it now, nearly a decade later) and seriously, people in prison have more privledges and are treated better than we were in that unit. It's not like it's some luxury health spa where people go to "relax" and "replenish", it's hell. I almost think your employer should have been forced to try it for a week and see how it was totally NOT somewhere you'd plan to go!

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Diane Serpa
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never would have thought of it this way but I get it! Vacations can be hectic, take a while to plan or at least give you adrenaline even if they are good for brains to have new experiences. A mental health day or half day just to get away from people that cause you stress is totally different. It doesnt have to be "later suckers!" It could just be "Ugh, can I just rest for a bit?"

susan_19 avatar
Susan Allen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At my last job (before I went freelance and then started my own company), there *were* no sick days. If you were sick or needed a mental health day, you took vacation time, or it was unpaid. We were encouraged to stay home if we were ill, so as not to infect others, but not given any days beyond our vacation days to do it - and vacation days were no more liberal than most companies, so there weren't even extra vacation days to help cover illness. This led to people still coming to work sick, because they were out of vacation days (or didn't want to use them) and didn't want to stay home unpaid.

endelbendel avatar
endelbendel
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You understand boss was tongue in cheek and was scolding her.

donnabannigan avatar
Donna Bannigan
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Trying to get any support for mental health issues, other than from doctors, is so difficult. My issues mean I am unable to work, and yet I'm having to get evaluated, and justify my problems, to stop the government forcing me into looking for a job, when they won't take me with my issues, and I'll get even worse from the constant rejection, and mis-treatment from the people in charge. I lost my last job from a combination of mental and physical ill health, because they had no idea how to make it easier for me to do my job. Any suggestions I made were met with "it's not possible." I would love a boss who was open to mental health days. Stress is the cause of a huge number of sick leave requests, and taking a day to refresh the mind can make the world of difference to your physical health as well.

merrishawk avatar
Merris Hawk
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think if given the opportunity, people will take advantage of any excuse to get out of a day's work, this is unfortunately one of those ways and it makes it nearly impossible to be sympathetic to those that need this kind of time.

myantd avatar
Donna Hoffert
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why do we have to call it sick leave? Why can't we call it "wellness days". To take a sick day is to take care of our physical health. What do we call taking care of our mental health - which, if not taken care of, will absolutely lead to physical problems??? With repeated/frequent down turns in the economy the employees are repeatedly asked to do more and more and they are burning out quicker. We need to refine what sick days are and call them wellness days instead.

lemonshiloh avatar
Lemonshiloh
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope...no mental health days, per se. Figure out how to include your own personal health days in your sick time or vacation.

noelmc7 avatar
Arclight
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...really? her boss is a dumbass, that's referred to as malingering

penelope_l_penderhausen avatar
Penelope Penderhausen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Fortune 500 company I worked for gave PTO (paid time off) that is calculated by the number of years you have worked for the company. I had 5 weeks of scheduled PTO every year to use as I pleased. Mental health, vacation, sick leave under 3 days. Any sick leave leave over 3 days needed the obligatory Dr. note or, for more serious illness, STD (short term disability) or FMLA (family and medical leave act). I could rarely use all of my PTO so carried over the maximum allowed of 40 hours every year. The rest would be lost, unfortunately.

chrisclemens avatar
Chris Clemens
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I imagine that if your a hard working employe and a real asset to your company then your boss won't think your trying to get one over on him/her! Also there are other ways to improve your mental health! My company (Life Leadership) produced an app called Rascal Radio its like Pandora but is full of personal and professional development! I have found this to be one of the best ways I'm working on my own mental health as well as getting around a community of positive thinkers.

emilyhorler avatar
Emily Horler
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I requested a mental health sick day at my previous job. My manager seemed understanding, but when I returned to work the following day and a member of staff from another department was off sick, my manager made a 'joke' about how a depression bug must be going round. She said this to someone else but whilst stood right next to me. It made me feel awful and didn't exactly encourage me to be that transparent in future. It's a shame not all employers are as supportive as this one.

kll801 avatar
Kathy Daly
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

seems to me she should not have been referencing your health off hand like that with another employee, mental or physical. At my last job that would be a problem.

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renerivera300 avatar
René Rivera
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Considering today's climate and the value of money given the a'hole in charge, I'd say we should be allowed 5 mental health days per month by law. Workplaces that chastise for it should be heavily scrutinized and even penalized if it's found that the employee were terminated as a result.

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Kira Grace
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How about working for a place who decides to call your housing development to check on your reason for calling out when it's your 3rd one in 7 months?! Unfortunately I work in an at will state so they can fire for any reason or no reason at all. They run unethically & show favoritism. Love the job I do ans a hard working employee but it's really a smack in the face when uniform rules are not followed. And the Hr person is a complete joke. Clearly the place I work has been living in a bubble.

madjax1 avatar
Kira Grace
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have to ask... how would you guys feel if on the 3rd day in 6 months you call off, your job calls your housing complex to verify reason for said call off? Wish all places were as respectful of their hard working employees. Mine however likes to make sure you're available on weekends & holidays, promise a flex time that is only for a select few (which?! Your guess is as good as mine) and run an uneithical game. Worst part... live in an at will state so they could fire me at any time for any reason or no reason at all. Boss doesn't like the fact that I don't socialize & get personal. It's a hard hit to take. Need the job, love the work, hate the flat out disrespectful actions.

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Barbu Varvara
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm glad Madalyn, who works in a software company, has so much support from her colleagues. Together for a better Bitdefender and Kaspersky!

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Marion Goetze
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get the same as someone previously mentioned... some pamphlets on "well-being" in the workplace.

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Angela Erickson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not sure what would be better - separate vacay and sick leave. PTO may help with confidentiality. I really don't want people to know why I am off work - none of their biz if I am on vac or sick! Certainly understand if it's being abused.

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Steven Manson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had a sign that encouraged us to call in sick....but the boss would call that afternoon "Theres no one able to cover your route...."

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Juniper Berry
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meanwhile I take off bc of a fever and the next day my boss is all "the tasks weren't done since you were gone" ... sorry I was sick?

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Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did this a few weeks back. I said that I had a friend coming down to Melbourne from Queensland (which was true); but what no one realised was that I really needed a break from everything. My mental health has been all over the place. Since I took that week off, I feel recharged. I wish that one day, a mental health break becomes standard across all companies. A lot of people need that, as things can get too much. Not just work, but life can do that as well.

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Mark Fuller
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. That was brave. But delighted with the response. It'd be interesting to know if you had discussed MH with your employer beforehand.

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Ja Legge
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't believe what cohen said. We don't have plenty of vacation days to take sometimes. It's nothing wrong to use sick days.

jevais avatar
jevais
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why does the Great America not have normal laws concerningly sick and vacation time? The American government could be helped by the European governments to set up a proper law on separating vacation time from sick leave. Also if this strange government stopped make wars, money could be invested into more social services. Also if the big boss and owners of companies looked at how things are managed here in Europe they could also earn a bit less and give 4 to 5 weeks of vacation and sick leave that would be paid.

ldater avatar
bigoldthor
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good lord, there is so much wrong with your post it's hard to know where to begin. I'll just say this: who the heck do you think pays for all these grand social programs and government mandated leave policies? Yep. You and I do, either in the form of MUCH higher taxes or much higher costs for goods and services. There are no free rides, sonny boy. Someone has to pay for it in one way or another. How much do you pay in overall taxes in the "Great European" country where you live? I'm talking how much of your gross income is net disposable for you after all your taxes are combined? How much do you pay for gasoline? A gallon of mik? A loaf of bread? That's what I thought. EVERYTHING costs someone, somewhere, something. Yes, this includes mental health days or whatever you want to call it. Not saying we don't need them...I know I do from time to time...but let's not be naive, blind, or stupid and think there are no costs associated with it.

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jevais
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is very hard all ready to admit that one suffers from some mental health problems, that these awful comments that the person should take the time off on their vacation are just ludicrous! I don't wish on anybody to have such health problems, but if those who judge where in the shoes of one who suffers from such illness for just one month, they who surely think otherwise... One does not choose to be ill. So those who have never been ill just feel lucky and happy that life has spared you, but don't you dare think you are better because of it. Life can change and you too might become also ill. How would you feel if others judged you????

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De Ducky
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So who do I contact to get a job at Madalyn's company? :)

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Johnny Slapstick
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, wait, is she mentally unstable? Why not just take a sick day?

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J Lindeen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahh, yes a new name just for the precious snowflakes as they timidly enter the workforce! Normally, we call it playing hooky! Just think, I did it wrong for so many years by sucking it up believing others depended on me to do my job. Little did I know at the time that my employer's sole purpose for starting their business was just to give me a job!!

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Becca The Bear
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people actually have mental health conditions. Not everyone is emotionless like you. We actually need time out because otherwise we have no will to get out of bed.

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Hugo Raible
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Still not clear whether she suffers from an actual mental health condition or is just stressed out...

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porcupine
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm taking a wild guess and saying she just wanted a couple of days off. People with real health issues, mental or otherwise, don't typicallysend mass emails to their coworkers about them, and REALLY don't try to get famous of off their illness by spreading it on social media.

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Stuart Hausrath
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

whata load of s**t if i did this in my work place i would be laughed at.....if anyone done this to me i would s**t on them grow up and get on with your job.

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Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Try having a complete mental breakdown after years of suffering; to a point that you cannot function in and out of work, then you can speak. You think you know what it's like to have what a person like me has; bipolar, BPD and anxiety disorder? It's not! It's like having a demon living inside you, and it wont come out unless you've had weeks/months of therapy, and a few screaming matches. It's like living in complete darkness. It sucks the life out of you!

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Dejan Tomic
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ya all just should and move to the some of the third world countries such as Serbia is (it's a country in europe) and see what happens if u state something like this... :-)

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Bob 2.0
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But we aren't in a third world country. I hate to sound like a redneck, but this is America, so stop acting like it isn't.

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Full Name
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've worked many jobs where getting physically hurt outside of work meant no more work until you were better. Construction, assembly etc. I'm not sure how I feel about this. It's an interesting debate for sure. It's something that would have to be on a case-by-case basis with the judgement being given by your immediate supervisor or someone more familiar with you and your situation than you being just an entry on a data sheet. It's not something that should be given equally to all.

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Mary Witt
Community Member
6 years ago

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I guess it depends on what your mental health is like,if you're a complete fruit loop by all means take some time off to get unlooped

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Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You wouldn't like to be called a "fruit loop", so why do you use that term to describe mentally ill people?

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lazy panda
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I take it you have never had major depression or anxiety? If you had, you would know that bouts can strike at any time.

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Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait until you get so depressed that you can't function properly, then we will talk. You wouldn't like the term "suck it up, buttercup". When you're that mentally ill, it's impossible to just suck it up. Once your mental health is affected, your personal/social life is affected, then your work is too.

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Augus Zaragoza
Community Member
6 years ago

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If you are considering taking a day or more off work because of mental health issues it can be understandable. You might be feeling overworked or down. To me however it's just not a good excuse. I have enough time in my week to refresh out of work so this may be different as with many people. I like to exercise often, eat healthy, balanced and get plenty of rest. For me if I wanted to take time off for mental health I would think it's a reason to not be at a place that I probably don't want to be at that badly. If I weren't in the best mood but really liked my job I'd still want to show up. If I found myself in such a situation then I would perhaps consider looking for another job, if that's possible, because whatever work type and amount I'm at now seems like the upper limit of what I'm willing to handle.

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Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Being overworked/down, is completely different to being so mentally unwell, to a point that you feel as though you're going to just have a mental breakdown. It's good that you have time to get rest, and get exercise and eat well. I applaud you for that. Some of us just haven't got the time. I suffer from bipolar, BPD and anxiety disorder. In the last 12 months, we lost 4 family members, and everything in between got too much to a point that I was screaming everyday to let it all out. Eventually, I used my annual leave as a mental health break. I also do acting on the side, so I really don't have the time to just relax.

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Toby Chapman
Community Member
6 years ago

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im sorry I relay hope this is a joke. a disabled person who relay wants to work but has been put on the medical register of unavalibity to work due to them having downs syndrome or autism or other disability's including solders with PTSD " real stories" it is morally repressible for anyone to calm days off for an undefined mental illness. I believe that disabled people are treated appallingly in this country and by taking days off for UNDIFINED mental illness your employer should sack you and employ one of them they will be hugely more grateful and a s**t lot more reliable even when suffering with far more than just stress and depression

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Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do agree that the disabled in any country are treated unfairly; but telling a mentally ill person that they should be sacked because they took a day off to look after themselves, is totally uncalled for. I'm guessing that you've never been depressed before, right? If you have, then you should be ashamed of yourself. Some people can deal with their mental illness, others can't. Sometimes, we need a few weeks off to sort it out. I know this because I have bipolar, BPD and anxiety disorder. I work full-time, hardly take any days off work, do acting on the side and I see my psychologist every few weeks. My mental state this year has not been the best, that's why I'm in therapy at the moment; and took a week off work a few weeks ago to keep myself sane. That's the only break I had this year.

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Stuart Hausrath
Community Member
6 years ago

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whata load of s**t if i took time off my work for the same reasons i would be laughed at and i would s**t on anyone that done it to me.......grow up and get on with it

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Bob 2.0
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

(Hey. A*****e. Some people have mental health issues. Don't be an insensitive bastard.)

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Michael Garrett
Community Member
6 years ago

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Well if work is stressing you out that much, find another job. Better yet, don't work. Is this nation becoming so sensitive that everyday matters stress people to the breaking point? Raising children is also stressful, do we need to take mental health time off from that? Is it paid time-off? Can I get insurance for being a parent? Yes folks, I am being sarcastic. Society just needs to grow-the-hell-up.

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Jeanna
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are very insensitive to people with mental health issues. I hope you meet someone one day who opens your eyes. Also, how is "not working" an option for anyone except the very rich? You are clueless about the real world.

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Rich Bonenfant
Community Member
6 years ago

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Only a woman could keep her job and be this coddled.

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Bob 2.0
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good lord, I thought you people went away when women got the vote. F**k you.

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Emily Frees
Community Member
6 years ago

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And what if the employer him/herself takes a mental health day ? Are you OK with not getting paid for those times ? I don't think so ! Owners have a business to run ! Few people FEEL like going to work when the alarm goes off, but are into it once they arrive. And I DON'T like the way she called off--er, emailed off--THAT morning. Not much work ethic there. I vote NO to mental health days off.

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Long Joan Silver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, let's wait until you suffer so badly from mental health issues, then we will talk! I had to take a week off due to a mental breakdown, but took that leave from my paid annual leave as I have accrued a lot of leave as I hardly take days off. I have bipolar, BPD and anxiety, and everything got too much. I work full-time, I do acting on the side, and I've had those illnesses for 14 years. It's like living in hell with the things I have. Sometimes, you can keep it under control, sometimes you can't and need to have a break from everything, and to get professional help.

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Sophie G
Community Member
6 years ago

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I should never become a boss coz mois reply would be "are you nuts??" (followed by a jk, take all the time u need)

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