The WHO reports that mental disorders affect about one in every four people globally. Bringing the numbers closer to home, almost half of all adults in the US (46.4%) will suffer from a mental health case or the other in their lifetime.
The issue around this subject is that almost no one wants to open up about their mental health, even to professionals that can help them. We can chalk this down to a lack of awareness, but more to the stigma that exists around anything that carries the mental prefix. Surprisingly, mental health cases are not just a function of genetic material but the environment
also.
Understanding Mental Health
Mental health issues are not something that starts in the adult stage. It is estimated that more than half of reported cases began by the age of 14. Before the population hits the age of 24, there would have been ¾ of all mental health cases recorded.
The challenge here is often that the mental health spectrum is very broad. Thus, patients might not want to associate with having a mental issue that they could have easily managed only if they owned up.
From anxiety and depression to addiction, the list goes on. Some of these mental health issues can easily be diagnosed, even by the patient or those closest to them. Not all of them fall under such a category though. Sadly, less than half of mental health patients (41%) in the past year went for the services of a professional.
As a professional in your field, your mental health is held in high regard.
To keep functioning at the top of your game is to take a holistic view of your person. All of the degrees in the world won’t make you a better professional if you do not have every other aspect of your being in check. Besides the social, spiritual, financial, academic, and other sides, mental is also one of those boxes you have to check.
Taking a Mental Day
There are a lot of reasons to take a day off from work. Not many people do so for the sake of their mental health, though.
A brand that comes with its own in-house mental health strategist, which is not uncommon today, makes this easier. If your company does not offer that, it doesn’t stop you from taking matters into your own hands.
With every mental health day, you should see a professional for mental health checks and a possible diagnosis.
Some of the reasons why you should not skip your mental health days include:
Mental Wellness
This sounds so obvious, but it is still the best place to start. A common misconception is that the absence of mental illness means good mental health. This is the same as saying physical fitness and health equal the lack of any physical illness. There could be issues brewing underground that need to be nipped in the bud right away. Left to fester, it could become nearly impossible, if not impossible, to get rid of such issues later. With regular mental health checks – and time off to better your mental health – you don’t have to worry about falling into such boats.
Better Moods
Better mental health grants you a gateway into better moods also.
There are a series of mental health disorders that highly interfere with daily functionality. This group includes clinical depression, dementia, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorder, among others. Left unchecked, they keep you less productive which in turn makes you less happy with yourself by the day.
Such unhappiness can stream from one part of your life into the other. Say, from your workspace into personal relationships with family and friends. That leads us to the next point.
Improved Confidence
Every professional should build up confidence in themselves. Not only for the sake of their official duties but to enjoy a better life outside of the office also. There is a fine line between arrogance and confidence, though, but that is not what we are here to discuss today.
Every pro here today will agree that doing well at your job gives you confidence outside of it also. The reverse is also the case. With a high level of confidence, you also tackle problems better while you can still spot and grab opportunities faster. We don’t need to underline anymore that the right mental health is a contributing factor to better and improved confidence.
Clearer Thinking
Professionals that are mentally strong display a high level of internal calm and peace. This allows them to separate the facts from their emotions, making better decisions at the end of the day. It is little wonder why they are the ones who usually make it to the top of the corporate ladder.
Trust us when we say that they would not have gotten there with poor mental health.
They have committed some time to build their mental capacity to reach where they are right now. Even amid chaos, they are not lost to disorderliness. Instead, they summon their internal calm to regulate the situation.
Other Benefits
There are a lot more benefits to be realized from nursing great mental health than we have mentioned here already. Both in and out of the office, professionals also get to benefit from:
- Better sleep
- Improved memory
- Better self-esteem
- Higher energy levels
- Better relationships
- Reduced risk of depression
- A better positive outlook, and more.
With such an exhaustive list to look at, the ROI on investing in good mental health cannot be overlooked. That is why you should take that day off.
What You Should Do Today
You can write to the HR of your company to incorporate a mental health day in the company’s plans. If that is not already in place, that is.
Even at that, you should chart out your course to better mental health. Seek out professionals that can help you manage any known case of mental health. Since these issues can develop at any time, it doesn’t hurt to have a trusted coach/counselor to check up on you and your state of mental health too. They prevent you from falling into a bad place whenever – and you will have a better life for it.