Over the past few years, weve gotten much better as a culture at recognizing burnout at work.
Heres how to do that in a way thats productive for both you and your employer.
Why make mental health an ongoing conversation with your employer?
We are asking for time off after the burnout hits, she tells Lifehacker.
Mental health days are truly meant to prevent burnout.
And they differ significantly from one person to the next.
The goal is to refuel before you run out of gas.
It is OK to say that you feel like your tank is getting close to E, she says.
The goal is to refuel before you run out of gasAKA, burn out.
It actually takes much longer to recover from burnout then simply to refuel.
Here are a few strategies for establishing ongoing communication with your boss regarding your mental health.
What would that look like?
Recent increases in my workload and the companys limited resources is compounding my fatigue and stress.
Can we talk about possible solutions so that I can be positioned for success?
How much should you disclose to your boss regarding your mental health?
Heres where things can get tricky.
Heres what the mental health and HR professionals suggest.
Be straightforward about needing a decrease in workload or a day off for maintenance of your mental health.
No further details necessary.
You dont need to tell your employer every detail of your personal life.
Before sharing, ask yourself: Does it involve work, or am I venting?
What about racism as a stressor?
But that doesnt necessarily mean that its something they have addressed.
If there is a racial issue within your workplace, Metzger advises employees to address it immediately.
The first step in change is awareness, she explains.
People cant change what they dont know theyre doing, especially when it comes to microaggressions.
Should employees be concerned about any repercussions from disclosing mental health issues to their boss?
But in reality, it is something to consider.
According to Handrick, a companys response can depend on its size.
How can we deal with our mental health on an ongoing basis?
Adam L. Fried, a clinical psychologist practicing in Phoenix and assistant professor of psychology atMidwestern Universitytells Lifehacker.
The catch is to only include activities you find relaxing and enjoyable.
