If I take a lot of "mental health days", is that a sign I need to leave my job?

10 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 24,2025 at 2:25PM UTC

   Are they mental health days because you are that stressed out or because you are that bored? If it's stressed out because of work, talk to your manager about how to make changes to help manage that stress. If it's boredom, maybe it's time to find something new to challenge yourself with.

2. AnonymousMarch 24,2025 at 3:24PM UTC

   Yes, something in your life is not working.

3. AnonymousMarch 24,2025 at 4:11PM UTC

   Depends on what is going, only you can determine that. Could be both home and work as stressors.

4. AnonymousMarch 25,2025 at 12:50PM UTC

   I think part of it I am bored and under utilized. Sometimes I do however, feel like my boss will use me as the messenger to another co-worker.

5. AnonymousMarch 25,2025 at 6:46PM UTC

   Yes.

6. Tina MorenoMarch 25,2025 at 7:22PM UTC

   It’s a really valid question, and I appreciate you asking it. Mental health days are absolutely appropriate—everyone needs time to reset and recharge, especially in the world we’re living in right now. But rather than jumping straight to “this must mean I need to quit,” I’d encourage you to dig into the why behind needing them so often.

   Is it the work itself that’s draining you—maybe the environment, the culture, or the workload? Or could there be something happening in your personal, social, or spiritual life that’s making it harder to show up fully at work? Sometimes when we feel overwhelmed or disconnected, work becomes the thing we step away from, even when it’s not the core issue.

   There’s a big difference between correlation and causation, and exploring that difference takes some self-reflection. Try stretching that self-awareness muscle and getting curious:

   • Is my job misaligned with my values or strengths?
   • Am I emotionally safe at work?
   • Am I struggling with burnout, or is something else in my life out of balance?

   You don’t have to have all the answers right now, but taking the time to reflect can help you move forward with more clarity and confidence—whether that means staying, shifting, or making a change. Either way, your well-being matters, and you're not alone in figuring it out. ?

7. AnonymousMarch 26,2025 at 11:46AM UTC

   I am not being challenged at work. The work I do do I find boring. Oh yes, I work in a prison hospital where we aren't allowed to bring in our cellphones, the doors slam, etc. Many of you are probably reading my other posts. I think I need something hybrid. I feel like I get blamed when one of my coworkers doesn't complete her tasks. I am sick of it.

8. Tina MorenoMarch 26,2025 at 1:49PM UTC

   It sounds like you’re really clear on what isn’t working—and that clarity is actually a powerful place to start. Feeling bored, unchallenged, blamed for others’ mistakes, and stuck in an environment that doesn’t match your energy? That’s a tough combination, and honestly, it would wear anyone down. Especially in a high-stress setting like a prison hospital, where even the physical environment can feel draining.

   I work in HR and have spent the last 16 years intentionally choosing to work for small nonprofit organizations. Why? Because I know what kind of environment brings out the best in me—and I interview companies just as much as they interview me. Every tough work experience I’ve had (even the ones where I wasn't at fault) has taught me more about what I need, what I value, and how I want to show up professionally.

   You already know a change is needed—and that’s half the battle. What’s holding you back? You’re in a good position right now: employed and actively aware of what you don’t want. That gives you the freedom to start identifying what kind of work would challenge you, what kind of culture would make you feel energized instead of exhausted, and what type of leadership would support your growth.

   This isn’t just about finding a job—it’s about creating a better fit for your life and your values. Hybrid roles are absolutely out there, especially in industries that are reimagining how healthcare intersects with technology, administration, or community-based care. Keep leaning into your self-awareness, and don’t be afraid to dream a little bigger. You’ve got this. ?

9. AnonymousMarch 27,2025 at 7:05PM UTC

   It's a sign something is bothering you and lends itself to finding out what that is. Use your EAP program if your company offers this and seek therapy. Many times these sessions can ignite thoughts of change needed in our behavioral patterns. And sometimes, yes, it could be time for a change in employment, be it another position with your job, or more duties or professional development in your current job. There are days I love my job, but days I need a break. A break from the people I work with, a break from the grind of a blaring alarm clock to get me up each morning, a break from the same ole same ole Monday-Friday. I allow myself a break on weekends, but sometimes 2 days is not enough. Sometimes a change in our routine can help the monotony of our days. Change can be very helpful and healthy for us all.

10. Barbara SoninMarch 28,2025 at 4:46PM UTC

    As "Anonymous" said, it may be. Or it may be other aspects of your life are weighing on you so much you don't have bandwidth left for the inevitable stresses of dealing with customers and/or co-workers. Therapy, or a two-day vacation to the beach or woods for contemplation, could help you figure out what is stressing you.