Mental health is just as important as physical health – so why do we still lie when we call in sick?

Mental health awareness has come a long, long way in the past few years and common concerns have gone from being totally taboo to table talk. So, why do we still feel the need to lie to our employers when we are suffering?

From food poisoning, to migraines, we make up excuses that almost always pertain to our physical health rather than simply explain that we need some time to care for our minds. But, why? According to Gail Marra, Harley Street clinical hypnotherapist, it’s still the stigma that stops us from being honest. 

“Although we’ve come a long way from the old-school stigma previously attached to mental health, there is still much resistance in admitting to it,” she explains. “We still have thoughts like, ‘What will people think of me? Will they think I’m crazy, lazy, dramatic? Could I lose my job or my reputation?’ and we fear that we will be seen as weak, or unable to cope.” 

With more people than ever before experiencing mental health issues thanks to the effects of the pandemic, employers are facing more pressure to be more understanding and supportive. Analysis of data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) found that the number of adults aged 18 and over reporting a clinically significant level of psychological distress  during the pandemic increased from 20.8% in 2019 to 29.5% in April 2020 and The Mental Health Foundation reports that 12.7% of all sickness absence days in the UK can be attributed to mental health conditions. 

“The world has been upside down these past two years with all the events going on globally,” says Susie Pearl, psychologist, mentor and author of The Art of Creativity. “More than ever before, we have a world that is suffering and facing increased mental health issues on a scale not seen before in our lifetime. “Employers need to put wellness and mental health further up the agenda with regard to their staff.”

Doing so would not just be beneficial for employees. According to The Mental Health Foundation, better mental health support in the workplace can save UK businesses up to a whopping £8 billion per year. But with people hesitant to discuss their own issues, how can we expect employers to help? 

According to Susie, it’s all about both sides taking steps to normalise mental health issues: “If you think that your mental health would affect your work performance, then it’s OK to take a day off sick. You don’t need to make up a physical ailment.” 

Susie suggests that a good template for when feeling mentally not fit to work might be the following: ‘I have been having some challenges with my mental health in recent times.  If I were to come into today, I could not do my usual quality of work. I feel I need to take some time off (x days) to rest and recover to be back on form again when I return. I will keep you updated of any changes. Thanks for your understanding.´

As for your employer, they have a legal responsibility to protect the health and safety of their employees, including their mental health. “There is no legal difference between taking a day off for mental health problems and calling in sick with a physical illness or injury,” notes Susie. 

Open a channel of communication with your boss or your HR department, whether it be an in-person chat, a Zoom call or on an email, to discuss your issues and suggest ways that your employer may help to support you if they are not forthcoming. 

“Say if you need more support from your workplace and specify what kind of support you need,” Susie says. “For example, you may ask for different hours, more flexibility, to get away from a demanding or bullying colleague.  Be as honest as you can so that things can be resolved, and solutions found.” After all, it’s in both of your best interests.

For more from GLAMOUR’s Beauty Editor Lottie Winter, follow her on Instagram @lottieawinter