Mental Health in the Workplace: Why It’s OK to Step Away When You Need Support
When City of Austin Councilwoman Natasha Harper-Madison announced she would be taking leave for personal reasons, the moment offered more than a news update—it created space for an important and often uncomfortable conversation about mental health in the workplace.
District 1 Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison began a two-month medical leave on September 25. In a statement posted to City Council’s message board that morning, Harper-Madison shared that her 60-day leave is for treatment related to anxiety and depression following what she described as an “extremely challenging” year. She emphasized that she plans to resume her official duties upon her return.
Harper-Madison announced her decision to temporarily step away from her City Council work in a statement on City Council’s message board the morning of Sept. 25. She said her 60-day medical leave for treatment of anxiety and depression comes amid an “extremely challenging” year, and that she plans to resume her official duties upon her return.
“I understand the importance of our work and the commitments we have made to our constituents, and I assure you that my decision to take this leave has not been made lightly. I have every intention of returning to my duties in good health with renewed energy and dedication to continuing to serve District 1 and the entire Austin community,” Harper-Madison said in a statement.
In a culture that often celebrates overwork, resilience without rest, and constant productivity, taking time away—especially in leadership—can be misunderstood. Yet mental health is health, and stepping back to prioritize well-being is not a failure. It is a responsible and human decision.
Leadership Does Not Mean Immunity
Public servants, executives, entrepreneurs, and frontline workers alike face immense pressure. Leaders, in particular, are often expected to be constantly available, emotionally steady, and unshaken by stress. But leadership does not make someone immune to burnout, anxiety, depression, trauma, or exhaustion.
When leaders acknowledge the need for rest or healing, they challenge the harmful idea that strength means silence. Instead, they model a healthier standard—one that recognizes sustainability over sacrifice.
Why Mental Health Leave Matters
Mental health challenges can impact focus, decision-making, physical health, and relationships. Ignoring those signals doesn’t make them disappear; it often makes them worse. Taking leave allows individuals to:
-
Seek professional support
-
Rest and reset emotionally and physically
-
Prevent long-term health consequences
-
Return more present, grounded, and effective
Just as someone would take leave for surgery or recovery from illness, mental health care deserves the same legitimacy and respect.
Workplace Culture Is Changing—But Slowly
Across Austin and beyond, more workplaces are beginning to acknowledge mental health as a critical part of employee well-being. However, stigma remains—especially for women, people of color, and those in leadership roles. Fear of judgment, speculation, or career consequences often prevents people from being open or proactive about their mental health needs.
When leaders take leave without apology or over-explanation, it helps normalize the practice for everyone else.
A Community Conversation
Mental health in the workplace is not just a personal issue—it’s a systemic one. Employers, institutions, and governments play a role in creating environments where people feel supported, not penalized, for caring for themselves.
Austin prides itself on innovation and inclusion. That spirit must extend to how we treat mental health—by offering flexibility, compassion, and policies that recognize people as whole humans.
It’s OK to Choose Health
Taking leave for personal or mental health reasons is not weakness. It is wisdom. It is prevention. It is self-respect.
If we want healthier leaders, healthier workplaces, and healthier communities, we must continue to affirm a simple truth:
It is okay to step away so you can come back whole.
