Taking a mental health day

[Rainydaze]

I got up this morning for work and just could not face it. Wednesdays are always a busy day with the office being full which I find so awkward and triggering. I sit alone downstairs on reception with the main office space being upstairs and I always feel left out. It's a weird environment where people mostly work in silence save for a few conversations which always feels awkward to walk in and out of because I never know whether I should make an effort to speak or whether they just want to be left alone. Some days are better than others and the mood in the office can greatly lift or plummet depending on how easy a job has gone or what kind of mood the boss is in.

Today I just could not face the spontaneity of it. My car needs petrol and I was already running late and I just froze because I was getting overwhelmed and could not face driving an hour there only to be on edge and triggered for several hours, then driving an hour back and only having a few hours in the evening to recover. I of course called in sick rather than giving all this as a reason as no-one would ever get it.

Does anyone else here do this from time to time? I feel a bit guilty but just know I needed this today.

[Blueberry]

Good self-care, I'd say      Just because people can't see our injury called cptsd doesn't mean it's not there, impeding our  life and work. When you're injured you may need to take time off work, perfectly legit.

[Jdog]

Sounds perfect to me!  And since today is World Mental Health Day, you can take pride in prioritizing your own health today!

[Eyessoblue]

I used to do this regularly when I worked, I gave myself a me day and used to enjoy every minute of it, I think we all should be able to do that every now and then.

[Deep Blue]

Yes I do this! I remember another member said she tries to do this periodically to "recalibrate"

[Elphanigh]

That is such wonderful self care, way to go!  I have definitely done this, matter of fact last month I ended up with two and a half days off because of cptsd related issues ( I don't normally take that much), but we deserve it as much as if it were a cold or flu.

[Rainydaze]

Ooh, I hadn't realised it was World Mental Health Day.  It's reassuring that others have done this too, I felt a bit like I wasn't 'ill' enough to take a day off sick. It was a relaxing day though which was what I needed. I took the dog out for a nice walk and was able to regroup and perform better the following day.