Resignation Due To Mental Health? 5 Signs It's Time To Leave Your Job

Resignation due to mental health issues may no longer come as a surprise. According to the National Statistics Office (NSO), mental health illnesses make up the third most prevalent disease among Filipinos. The World Health Organization (WHO) also reports that over 3 million Filipinos suffer from a disorder related to mental health.

What are Mental Health Issues?

To be clear, you can still experience poor mental health without having mental issues, such as depression, anxiety, panic and obsessive-compulsive disorders and many others. These can keep you from effectively managing stress and being a productive member of society.

But mental health affects not only our actions, thoughts, and feelings; it also impacts our physical health. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that depression boosts the risk for stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.

Though personal history and genetics aid in the development of mental illnesses, these work-related risks can also compound them:

• No or insufficient health policies
• Poor manager-employee relationship
• Little support from the company
• Unreasonably high expectations from employers
• Job insecurity

Also read: 5 ways to care for employee mental health

5 Signs That Mental Health Issues Are Affecting Your Work

When you feel your best, you can better meet work expectations and adapt to changes. You can contribute to team projects, and you find work meaningful and fulfilling. On the other side of the coin, mental health issues can affect you in these ways:

1. Being unmotivated

Poor mental health causes you to fixate on negativity. This prevents you from seeing the merits of your job, leading to disengagement.

2. Poor work performance

With decreased well-being comes a lack of focus. All the skills we rely on to be productive, such as analytical thinking, problem solving and creativity become inaccessible at this time.

 3. Decreased functioning

Everything from sleeping patterns to reasoning goes downhill when you’re dealing with mental health problems. Cognitive functions are reduced, affecting your daily responsibilities.

4. Miscommunication

When you’re emotionally down, you can’t communicate effectively. This leads to breakdowns in communication, which result in conflicts at home or in the workplace.

5. Making bad decisions

The inability to function prevents you from seeing things objectively and finding healthy solutions to problems. Bad decisions may include missing deadlines, skipping work, and breaking company rules.

Should You Resign From Work Because of Mental Health Reasons?

Resignation is not the only solution to your struggles. Before you let go of your job, try negotiating for positive changes in your workplace. Tell your superior or the HR (human resources department) manager your needs, and how the company can better support them.

Section 25 of the Philippine Mental Health Law states that “Employers shall develop appropriate policies and programs on mental health issues, correct the stigma and discrimination associated with mental conditions, identify and provide support for individuals with mental health conditions to treatment and psychosocial support.” This means you have the right to lobby for changes, so you can care for yourself and be more productive.

Some changes you can request are:

Flexible work schedule

When you’re unable to function on a “bad” day, ask if you can make up for unfinished work on other days. You can log in longer hours on days when you feel your best, letting you complete your deliverables.

Quiet spots

Your workplace should provide you and your colleagues calming spaces that let you relax and recharge. A pocket garden or a comfortable room gives you the chance to de-stress before the next workload.

Work-From-Home Setup

Doing remote work a few times a week can save you from the hassles of commuting and waking up earlier. The familiarity your home provides can also help you be more productive.

Support Seminars

Regular sessions with a wellness coach can equip you to ride out your challenging days. Knowing that there’s someone at work who understands your needs can give you a much-needed boost. Mental health assessment tools can also provide a better picture of your emotions and triggers.

Clearer Work Processes

Sometimes, triggers come in the form of unclear directions and workflows. Request opportunities to discuss tasks with superiors to ensure proper communication. You may also want your tasks listed down, so you’re better prepared for them.

5 Ways to Care for Your Mental Health at Work

While waiting for a successful compromise with your employer, you can take these simple steps in caring for your mental health:

1. Participate in health programs.

If your company has initiated projects to boost employee health, don’t hesitate to join. Taking advantage of these resources will not only help you, but also shows your employer that you're being proactive.

2. Open up to your trusted co-workers.

To help your colleagues understand your struggles, try sharing your situation with them whenever appropriate. You don’t have to pour your heart out—just give them enough information, so they will know how to better work with you. This is also a way of nurturing healthy work relationships.

3. Learn coping techniques.

Find which stress management strategy works best for you. For some, deep breathing and meditation help. Others discover that working on one task at a time improves focus. You can also try positive self-talk or go for a quick walk.

4. Maximize lunch breaks.

Leave work during breaks. Take this time to practice self-care. Be mindful of eating, listen to relaxing music, or have a good stretch. All these simple steps have a big impact on your overall wellness.

5. Focus on your physical health.

It’s cliché, but it’s true—a healthy body equates to a healthy mind and vice versa. Eat nutritious meals, follow a fitness routine, and get sufficient sleep to give you enough energy for your tasks.

5 Signs That You Should Resign To Care for Your Mental Health

But what if you’ve exhausted all possible methods, and you still feel terrible at work? Ask for a wellness break, so you can attend to your needs. It also helps to imagine the scenario if you quit your job. Do you think you will benefit from it? Or will the lack of regular pay and routine worsen your problem?

However, if your employer fails to accommodate your requests, and your condition is deteriorating, then resigning may be your best option. But before doing this, talk it out with a counselor or therapist to ensure you’re making the right decision.

Here are some warning signs that you should resign:

1. Your home life is affected by work.

If you find yourself being irritable to your family because of work, then this is a sure sign of job dissatisfaction. It also means that you don’t get to express your concerns in the workplace, which is why you’re taking out your frustration on others.

2. You dread going to work.

An indifferent boss, office politics, a lack of support system and many other factors can cause you to lose motivation. Even if you practice self-care, a toxic workplace can eat you up from the inside.

3. You’re exhausted all the time.

Exhaustion may come when you’re overworked or unmotivated. Either way, you’re setting yourself up for disaster. If you still feel the same after a lengthy break, then maybe it’s time to think twice about your job.

4. You keep making mistakes.

Making mistakes is part of life, but committing the same errors over and over means that you’re no longer invested in your job. This puts both your mental health and career on the line.

5. You’re always thinking about work.

Are you checking work emails at home? A too-demanding job will take a toll on your mental health. You may be better off finding a role that offers work-life balance.

Find the right job for you!

If resigning for the sake of your mental health is your best choice, then go ahead and take that much-needed break. Get enough rest, gather your strength, and if you can, consult with a professional. 

When you’re ready to start job hunting again, JobStreet is here for you with plenty of career options. Just visit JobStreet or download the JobStreet app on Google Play or the App Store to create or update your profile.

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