An expert answers this question that may arise frequently. When mental health is not optimal, can the person take a break?
Currently we are facing a very delicate situation in terms of health, the pandemic has made us be increasingly careful in reporting physical symptoms to our workplace or study and, above all, to the health service, this with the aim of taking care of ourselves. ourselves and others from covid-19.
This custom of attending to and reporting health symptoms not only helps prevent coronavirus infections but also takes care of other physical illnesses, making us more aware of the importance of care and raising our hand in those moments when we feel that our health is not good.
However, physical health is not the only one we must take care of, with the aim of taking care of it in time and avoiding deterioration that could alter our quality of life.
For this reason, it is important to understand that there are times when mental health conditions can be disabling and that it is perfectly valid to seek help and, if necessary, request days of disability if you are going through a very strong episode. .
To better understand why this is so valid and important, we can start by better understanding What anxiety is and why it can be disabling, although the following that I am going to explain to you applies to any mental disorder or condition by generating emotional discomfort that is difficult to handle or manage.
We must begin by clarifying that and it is important to differentiate the normal emotional response of anxiety from problematic anxiety. If you become anxious about delivering a job or accomplishing a goal, but you manage to respond to these demands of your environment, without this significantly affecting your life and allowing you to function well in most environments, we are talking about a response normal anxiety; But, if anxiety begins to affect the way you relate to others, the way you carry out your daily activities or your health and care habits, then there may be an anxiety problem.
It is important to understand, then, that when an anxiety disorder is severe, it has many additional consequences to the discomfort directly related to anxiety. It is possible that it impairs your memory and concentration and may have a significant effect on your social relationships, as well as your ability to adapt to changes.
Precisely for this reason, when you or someone else is experiencing difficulties related to anxiety, it is essential consult with a mental health professional, seek treatment and, if necessary, apply for medical leave to allow you to work on your mental health.
In fact, this is so important that it is contemplated in Colombian law. In 2013, Colombia published a document that presents all the rights that people have regarding the prevention of mental health problems, as well as their care.
This law establishes in article six, number seven that we all have “right to receive work disability, in the terms and conditions arranged by the treating health professional, guaranteeing the recovery of the person’s health” (Law 1616, of 2013).
According to this, it is perfectly valid to request and present a disability due to anxiety, especially understanding that it is a condition that can become limiting in many situations. For this, as established by the health system, You must contact your health service provider entity and begin a process in which you are evaluated by the relevant professionals, who will issue the disability order.
However, The most important thing is to start a through a professional who addresses your particular needs and provides you with strategies to, little by little, resume your activities and return to your daily life, enjoying your life, your friends and all those things that give you peace of mind and happiness.