Explain in clear terms what you believe is leading to burnout. Examples include unreasonable deadlines, unfair treatment, and unclear expectations. Morand recommends reminding your boss that you value your job and are being honest in an effort to resolve the burnout.
Disclosing your struggles can actually be a great form of relief, too. In many cases, once you open up about your mental health issues you may no longer feel like you're dealing with this alone and provisions can be put in place to help you reach a better state of mind.
Instead, offer specifics like, “I'm feeling overwhelmed by the volume of projects on my plate,” or “I'm feeling really anxious about meeting all of these deadlines, but they've never bothered me before.” Helping your boss see what's changed for you is important.
If you know what you'd like to request from your boss to ease your workload, you can say something like: "I've been struggling with a lot of stress and anxiety and would like to request some changes to my schedule or time-off, etc." "Be as honest and as candid as you can be.
“Recently I've been having a hard time with my [condition] and am going to take a sick day today to try and rest up. I'll be back tomorrow.” “I'm feeling burnt out, and am planning to take a sick day today to take care of my mental health. I'll be back in the office tomorrow, thank you for understanding.”
Talk to your manager about the number of hours that you can manage without feeling overextended. Think before agreeing. Before you take on new responsibilities, consider your current workload. Determine what time and energy requirements the new assignment will take, and decide if you can commit to them.
Say something like: “I really have a lot on my plate right now. I can let you know this afternoon if this is possible.” Strategy 2: Provide a proactive solution. Instead of outright shutting your manager down, try to provide a way to get the task done without overworking yourself.
You want to highlight the fact that you're feeling a bit overwhelmed—not simply complaining. Frame everything you're saying in a positive way, and always be ready to offer suggestions and ask for your manager's advice on how to work more effectively.
Check with the mental health agency where you receive mental health services. Your state may offer several different ways to find employment, including: Vocational rehabilitation (rehab) services. Rehab services help a person with a serious mental health condition or disability find and keep a job.
Calling in sick for mental health reasons is perfectly valid. A sick day can give you time to practice self-care, allowing you to return to your day-to-day life feeling calmer and refreshed. Not all employers may see it this way as stigma against mental illness is still rife.
By leaving a stressful situation, you might end up defeated by the job and may feel as if you failed. If anxiety wins by quitting your job, then you may let anxiety beat you in other areas of your life. There's something to be said for sticking it out and making some changes to decrease stress and anxiety.
When speaking with your doctor, explain that you're thinking about taking a stress leave from work and describe your stress symptoms. Be honest about how your stress level is affecting your professional and personal life.
If your stress is impacting your health, you may want to resign immediately so you can focus on getting help. Otherwise, giving notice can help preserve your professional reputation. Assess your current situation and decide which option is best for you, then clearly state your last day in your resignation letter.
Talking to your boss about burnout can benefit your well-being. It is a way to open the door to constructive conversations that can help get you back on track and feel better about work. With support, this may improve your job gratification and overall performance.
Therefore, I am resigning to focus on my mental health. I appreciate all of the opportunities you have given me during my time with the company, and I thank you for understanding my situation. If there is anything I can do to help make this transition easier, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Using a personal or vacation day for mental health or self-care is generally accepted. Some employers may also consider sick days appropriate to use for emotional wellness. They might compare feeling depressed or highly anxious to having a headache or stomach problem.
Send a formal request
Your company may have an online timekeeping portal in which you'll need to submit your request. You should also confirm how far in advance you need to make your request. Some employers ask for one or two weeks' notice while others require at least a month in advance.