MIDLAND, Texas —
Mental health is something more employers are keeping in mind when dealing with employees.
But not everyone may work in a job that openly discusses mental health, which is why local Psychotherapist Deidra Fuller said it’s important for employees to recognize when their job is compromising their mental well-being.
“Well, just understand that they can set boundaries if you know they're constantly being demanded to work extra hours even though they have kids and that's going to cost them because the daycare is going to charge them more that it really is OK to set boundaries," Fuller said. "But communicating with your superior is really important."
Fuller said she’s not saying everyone needs to go and quit their jobs but it’s important to keep an open dialogue with your employer.
“Communication is probably one of the most vital things, but when people are struggling with depression or anxiety, it's very hard to ask for that help," Fuller said. "So, it is important to know what your limits are to know how much you can and can't do. But I think the other thing is take your vacation. If you get vacation time, take vacations, take days off. Especially if you need a mental health day.”
There are also little things you can do while on the job to help put your mind at ease.
“I like to recommend walks for sure, If you can get up and go walk around the building if you can, take a leisurely stroll. If you get, you know, a 15-minute break. Go outside, get some vitamin D, that's really helpful," Fuller said. "Deep breathing is so important; when we get anxious, when we get upset, we tend to hold our breath and then what that does is it, you know, less oxygen to the brain and then that makes it everything much more anxious. Your heart races and so, it just perpetuates that.”