Mental health day - do you tell people?

[christmastreewithhairyfairy]

If you have taken a mental health day, have you told your reports why you were off?

I took one today (second time in my life. I just really needed it) and whilst my team don't need to know, I feel like it would be a great example to set, to tell them that they should look after their mental health, and also that they can be open about it. If it makes a difference, there are about 25 in my team, all in their 20s and 30s. Me being honest about it would be very "fitting" with the company culture (v open and modern) but a silly part of me worries that they will see me as weak

It depends if you think they'll all take the piss and decide they need mental health days too. Is it in addition to your holiday entitlement?

I think this is an absolutely brilliant thing to do. I think more people in charge need to do this so that others feel that they can too. If people take the piss that too is a cultural thing and we can only change attitudes to mental health by talking. You should be applauded

Im really torn. I had one a few weeks ago, admitted to my manager that's what it was (could have easily said migraine or something) and she was really supportive. But telling junior staff, I'd worry they would not understand and call in for can't be arsed days and call them MH days. I'd probably be open if anyone asked how I was, but focus on making it clear that life work balance is important, look for signs of burnout or stress etc.

Yes - piss taking was one of my concerns too (as in, taking the piss by having lots of their own days off if they felt like it, not taking the piss out of me...)
But like you penelope I feel like more leaders should do this. I can't decide!
moosakah it's just another type of sick day, so works in the same way as leave for physical illness.

I wouldn’t take a day off for my mental well-being any more than I would for my physical well being. I would only take days off for illness, be it mental or physical.