Balancing Careers, Addiction and Mental Health
You’ve worked hard to get where you are in your professional life. After years of school and paying your dues in your field, you have made a name for yourself and continue to climb the ladder. It’s a difficult road to get where you are, but if you are juggling addiction and mental health issues, it makes the journey seem nearly impossible.
Taking Care of Business
Trying to control your drinking and drug use and rein in your mental health on your own is a fool’s dream. The truth is your drinking and drug use is controlling you and affecting your mental health. If you’re trying to hide this, you’re probably not. Everyone else can see what’s going on and you’re on thin ice at work and in your personal life.
Realizing that your problems stem from your addiction and mental health issues gets you closer to the answer. Getting the right treatment for both issues is the only way to get your career and your personal life back on track.
Know Your Rights
You might have many concerns about getting help. However, the pros of getting help outweigh any con that you might come up with. If taking time off is your issue, read your company’s policy on a medical leave of absence. It’s important to learn about the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). These two acts protect you. You don’t have to continue keeping up the façade.
