You know those days when you just can’t get of bed. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t motivate yourself to do anything. You feel overwhelmed with anxiety, depression and emptiness. You are just not fine and it feels like there is nothing you can do about it.

Well, I was having one of those days so I rolled over and picked up my phone. I checked the time and realized that if I don’t get my butt up I’m going to be late for work.I was emotionally exhausted and I knew that going to work was not going to benefit me or the company.

I dailed my boss’s number, Paul. “Hey Paul I’m not okay. I know it’s a work day and we have that really important project going on but…” I cried as soon as Paul picked up.

“Hey, hey, hey, calm down. Breathe Annie, breathe. Now tell me what’s going on.” Paul calmly replied.

“I don’t think I can come in today. I’m not okay. I mean I’m physically fine but emotionally and mentally I’m falling apart.” I cried even more.

“It’s okay Annie, you can have the day off. Your mental health is extremely important. You work too hard, you need some rest. I hope you feel better soon. Don’t stress yourself about work today just focus on yourself.” He said.

I felt guilty and ashamed as soon as I heard him say that. I get paid to work and ‘not feeling good’ was no excuse for me not to go to work. I have to show up for the company, they need me. I’m not sick or anything so I should go to work right.

“But I’m not sick Paul.” I said.

“Yeah, you’re not actually sick but you’re not okay either. You have been there for everybody but yourself. Just because you don’t have a cold doesn’t mean you’re okay. Annie listen, how you are feeling is total valid. Your physical health is just as important as your mental health if not more. You can take the day off, actually you need to take the day off. You need to take care of yourself Annie.” He continued.

“Thank you Paul. I’ll take the day off and I’ll try to rest.” I said.

“Great Annie, I feel better soon.” He said, “I meant it when I said people should take day iffs when they’re not okay, physically or mentally. I really meant it so don’t feel guilty and make this whole process awkward okay??”

“Okay. Thank you so much Paul.” I replied.

“It’s okay just focus on getting better,” he said as he hung up.

Yep, I can call in sick at work if I woke up with a cold and I can in sick if I woke up with my anxiety crippling. My boss is cool. He knows that our mental health is just as important as our physical health. He also makes sure that he doesn’t overwhelm us with work.

He’s not just cool because of that, he also brought me chocolates, bath bombs and face masks. He said they were like the soup for a cold.

All my coworkers called to check up on me and how I was feeling. They sent me cards, flowers and movies. They’re pure angels.

Therefore in my life, everyday is mental health day. I know I’m extremely lucky to say that. And to have a job that allows me to take days off for my mental health. Yes, most of the time I feel guilty for my mental and physical health being accommodated but I’m glad it is.

Is there anything you can do to make your everyday mental health day??

I know everyday is mental health day but today is literally world mental health day. Happy world health day!!

First Published On Gteenlife – 10 October 2021