Doing so will not only benefit employees. According to The Mental Health Foundation, better support for mental health at work, it can save employers millions of pounds per year. But if people don’t dare to talk about their own problems, how can we expect employers to help?

According to Susie, this is about both parties taking steps to normalize mental health problems: ‘If you think your mental health may be affecting your job performance, it’s okay to take sick leave. There is no need to create physical ailments’.

Susie suggests that some kind words for when you are not feeling mentally fit for work include the following: ‘I’ve been having some problems with my mental health lately. If I came today, I wouldn’t be able to do my usual quality of work. I think I need to take (x days) off to rest and recuperate to be back in shape when I get back. I’ll let you know about any changes. Thank you for your understanding’.

As for your boss, he has legal responsibility for it protect health and safety their employees, including their mental health: ‘There is no legal difference between taking a day off for mental health and say you are sick from an illness or physical injury,’ says Susie.

Open a channel of communication with your boss or HR department, be it live chat, a Zoom in or via email, to discuss your concerns and suggest ways your employer can help support you if they don’t.

“Mention if you need more support at your workplace and explain what type of support you need,” says Susie. ‘For example, you could ask for a different schedule, be more flexible, get away from a demanding or harassing boss… Be as honest as possible so things work out and solutions are found.’ In any case, it is best for both of you.

Original article published by Glamor UK, glamourmagazine.co.uk, adapted by Paola Zamarripa.