By Nicole Baldwin
Mental health in the workplace is never usually talked about, and a lot of people start to feel alone when this happens. I personally felt this way when I worked in a fast-food restaurant a few years ago because my manager did not treat me or my coworkers well.
I started to not want to go to work because I did not want my manager to talk down to me. I was overworked and always called into work on my days off just because they needed help. I felt like I had to comply or else they would make me feel bad for saying no. It started to take a toll on my mental health and I felt like I had to say yes all the time.
It felt really good when I quit the job because I did not have to give in to my manager’s guilt trip to get me to come into work. Always take time for yourself and never feel guilty for saying no if you cannot work a certain day. Do what is best for you and your mental health. I had to remember that saying no is okay.
Working is not always easy, but if it is taking a toll on your mental health it is okay to step back for a little bit and take a deep breath. Take a day to relax and do stuff for yourself. Remember always to pause and take a break on homework or studying when you are feeling overwhelmed. Talk to your friends and family during that break to talk about things other than school. School can be stressful.
Contact Health Services if you are having difficulty concentrating or managing your thoughts. To make an appointment call 413-782-1221 or come to CSP 235. Counseling services is offering telehealth visits with limited in-person sessions right now.
