Carolina Lasso’s first panic attack occurred during a company-wide meeting, just before her scheduled presentation. Although she had delivered many similar talks about her marketing team’s achievements, this time was different. When her name was called, she was unable to speak.
“I felt a knot in my throat,” Lasso recalls. “My head felt like it was inside a bubble. I could not hear or see, and it felt like an eternity. It was just a few seconds, but it was so intense, almost earth-shattering.”
Lasso, 43, was going through a tough period following a cross-country move and a divorce. Her boss suggested taking a mental health leave, an option she hadn’t known was available.
Though Lasso worried about how her team might view her or if taking time off would hurt her chances for a promotion, she decided to take the leave.
“I’m thankful for that opportunity to heal,” Lasso says. “Many people feel guilty when they take time off for mental health. There’s a feeling that it’s our fault, and it weighs heavily on us.”
Despite concerns about negative consequences, more American workers are realizing that taking time off to manage emotional or psychological challenges is necessary for their well-being. Employers are increasingly understanding of this need as well.
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