Use Your Sick Time for Therapy—Your Mental Health Matters That Much

I can't say this loud enough: Mental health is just as important as physical health.

Again, for the people in the back: Use. Your. Sick. Time.

Therapy is not an indulgence. It’s not something you squeeze in only when life is falling apart. It’s healthcare. Preventative care. And sometimes it’s urgent care.

Yet I hear it all the time:

“I can’t schedule therapy during the day because I work.”

And trust me, I get it. But let’s talk about this honestly.

If You Had an Ear Infection, You’d Take the Time

Think about it. If you had an ear infection, you’d probably take time off work to go see your doctor and get antibiotics.
If you had the flu, you’d take time off to get tested, rest, and recover.

No one questions those decisions.

But when it comes to mental health, so many people feel guilty for taking even one hour off work to take care of their mind. And that’s a problem

Therapists Have Families Too

The reality is that many therapists, myself included, have families. We want to be present with them in the evenings, just like anyone else.

That means that most of my availability is during the day.

I often hear from clients who say, “I wish I could see you, but I can’t take time off work.”

It’s unfortunate, because while therapy can be flexible, it also requires you to prioritize your wellbeing. You don’t need to take a full day off. You don’t even need to go home. I’ve had clients do sessions from their cars, from parking lots, from quiet corners of office buildings.

What matters is that you show up.

It Will Cost You More Later If You Don’t

Here’s what I know from experience:
If you don’t take care of your mental health now, it will eventually affect your physical health, your job performance, your relationships, your energy, your focus, your mood, everything.

We all know what chronic stress does to the body. Headaches. Fatigue. Digestive issues. Insomnia. High blood pressure. Burnout.
It’s not just emotional discomfort. It’s physical.

Taking an hour out of your workday here and there for therapy is not a burden. It’s a smart, proactive move that protects everything else in your life.

Your Mental Health Is Worth the Sick Time

You earned your sick time. You are allowed to use it for your mental health.
You do not need to wait until you “break down” to justify taking care of yourself.

If you’re struggling, overwhelmed, anxious, burnt out, or if you simply want to grow and feel more grounded, herapy is a valid reason to step away from work for an hour.

Your brain is part of your body. Your emotions are part of your health. Therapy is healthcare.

If You Need Permission, This Is It

Take the hour. Take the session. Step away from your desk, get in your car, or find a quiet space, and give yourself that time.

Your future self will thank you for it.

If you’re ready to put your mental health on your schedule, I’d love to work with you. Reach out to book a consultation or ask any questions. Therapy can fit into your life, but only if you let it.