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Mental health leave is still stigmatized
For some workers, a few days aren’t enough. Sometimes, like in Biles’ case, a more rigorous approach to addressing their mental health is necessary.
One option workers might consider is taking some sort of extended leave. However, mental health leave isn’t accessible for many Americans. Goehner said that most companies do not allow paid mental health leave without written permission from a healthcare professional. For people without adequate access to healthcare, this can be a barrier.
Some workers save up to quit their jobs, but outright quitting isn’t feasible for everyone.
Koretz said that at her therapy practice, she advises clients who cannot take that leap of faith and stop working. However, she said, small, incremental lifestyle changes can improve mental health in the workplace.
For example, she said focusing on activities or jobs that align with your personal values can bring “joy and levity” to stressful situations.
“It may not seem like much but making very small changes can impact mental health in a positive way, and can be especially motivating, partly because it also helps us realize we are in control of more than we think,” Koretz said.
Representatives for Biles did not immediately respond to a request for comment.