Better ways to say “I'm struggling with my mental health”
Why it can fall flat
“I'm struggling with my mental health”
People usually say “I'm struggling with my mental health” when they're overwhelmed and need a break, but it names the pain without a request. A manager or recruiter may not know whether to offer leave, shift work or just listen.
Say this instead
- 01
Hi Maria, my mental health has been difficult lately and I need to take some time off. Could we talk tomorrow about dates and how my tasks should be covered?
Boss · Email
Fits a leave request because it names the reason briefly and opens a talk about dates and coverage.
- 02
My mental health has taken a hit and I need to lighten my workload for a while. Can we find ten minutes today? I have a couple of ideas on what could move.
Boss · Chat
Suits times when you need less on your plate rather than full leave, since it asks for a specific change.
- 03
My mental health is bad today and I can't work. I'll message you tomorrow about the rest of the week.
Boss · SMS
Good for a same-day absence because it is short, clear and says when you'll check in again.
- 04
Hi Trevor, I'm resigning, with my last day on June 30. My mental health has been suffering and I need to step back to focus on it. I'd like to talk with you about the handover.
Boss · Email
Right when health is the reason you're leaving, as it gives a reason and a date without over-explaining.
- 05
Hello Harriet, I'm dealing with some mental health challenges and need to move Thursday's interview. Could we look at dates early next week?
Recruiter / HR · Email
Handy for moving a job interview, since it offers a short reason and a way forward.
- 06
Heads up, my mental health is rough this week, so I may be slower to reply. Could you take the Friday client call?
Coworker · Chat
Helpful when peers rely on you because it sets expectations and makes one easy request.
- 07
Hi team, I'm taking Thursday and Friday off to look after my mental health, which has been hard lately. Megan is the contact for anything urgent.
Someone you manage · Email
Useful for a manager, who can show openness while telling the team exactly who to go to.
Examples
Hi Rahul, My mental health has been hard these past few weeks, and I'd like to take the last week of the month off. I've listed my open tasks in our shared doc so we can decide what needs cover. Could we talk about it on Wednesday? Thanks, Jessica
Hi Rafael, can I have 15 minutes today? My mental health has been hard and I want to talk about taking a few days off next week.
What to avoid
- Leaving it vague with no ask makes it hard to help, so say what you need, such as time off, a lighter workload or a new interview date.
- Sharing more detail than you want to is unnecessary, because one clear sentence is enough.
- Apologizing for being unwell or for needing time undercuts a reasonable request.
- Sending it late at night in a rush is risky, so wait until you can include a next step.
- In a resignation, blaming people or the company is best skipped unless you truly mean to.