Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It Means to Say “I Don’t Feel Good"How These Phrases EmpowerHow to Be Supportive As a ManagerHow to Be Supportive As a Friend/Family MemberHow to Ask for HelpWhen to Talk to a Professional

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What It Means to Say “I Don’t Feel Good”

How These Phrases Empower

How to Be Supportive As a Manager

How to Be Supportive As a Friend/Family Member

How to Ask for Help

When to Talk to a Professional

Close

Saying “I don’t feel good” is something we’re used to hearing when we’re feeling under the weather, but it can also be something to help others understand that you might be mentally struggling. While it’s often easier to talk about our physical symptoms, being able to let others know that we need a mental health break is just as important.

At a GlanceSometimes, talking about how we feel mentally can be as simple as saying, “I don’t feel good.” It lets other people know you need space to care for yourself mentally and emotionally. It can also be a helpful way to signal to family, friends, and others in our lives that we could use a little extra support without going into too much detail.

At a Glance

Sometimes, talking about how we feel mentally can be as simple as saying, “I don’t feel good.” It lets other people know you need space to care for yourself mentally and emotionally. It can also be a helpful way to signal to family, friends, and others in our lives that we could use a little extra support without going into too much detail.

If you struggle withdepression, it can be hard to communicate with others about your feelings, especially onparticularly rough days.

That said, especially in office environments, sick and personal days are built-in for just this reason, and you shouldn’t feel any guilt about using them when you need to take amental respite.

In general, saying “I don’t feel good” is thought of as something people will say when they have a stomach bug. It’s vague, doesn’t invite any questions, and there’s a mutual understanding among everyone involved that the person said it needs a break.

“These phrases signal to others that you need a break or that you may not be able to take care of daily tasks,” says Susman. “Just as we don’t often go into private details about physical health conditions, there is no obligation to reveal private aspects of mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.”

Saying “I don’t feel good” can mean many things depending on the person and the situation. It might indicate:

In some cases, it might mean that you are struggling with emotions that you aren’t sure how to identify. Your feelings might be mixed, conflicted, or difficult to label.

How These Phrases Empower People

While the phrase itself seems simple enough, it can pack a powerful punch. When people are struggling with mental health issues, it can be hard or even impossible to explain exactly what you’re feeling andwhy it’s debilitating. Some people working through this may not even fully understand why they feel so down themselves.

Because people may not fully understand their feelings, admitting that they need some time away can sometimes cause aspiral of self-doubt. That said, this is when it’s more important than ever to voice your concerns with simple phrases like this one.

David T. Susman, PhDPhrases like these are more effective than just isolating yourself or not saying anything at all.

David T. Susman, PhD

Phrases like these are more effective than just isolating yourself or not saying anything at all.

If you say that you aren’t feeling well directly, most people will understand that you need some time to rest and recover. Especially while people wereworking from home in 2020, the National Bureau of Economic Research found that most people left their vacation and sick days on the table.

How to Cope With Stigma When You Have a Mental Illness

Managers can convey support in a way that is critically important for people dealing with depression. While most managers typically know that they can’t ask about particulars in regard to sick days, they can help their employees feel supported.

Ways to Support Someone As a ManagerRespond positively to the request for sick daysSay “please let me know if there’s anything I can do to support you"Offer to follow up with other co-workers regarding urgent tasks

Ways to Support Someone As a Manager

Respond positively to the request for sick daysSay “please let me know if there’s anything I can do to support you"Offer to follow up with other co-workers regarding urgent tasks

Susman notes that companies have made major strides in improving theirwellness offerings, partially due to increased awareness about mental health and state mandates.

If you’re working in an office setting, make sure you’re aware of your company’s policies regarding mental health and wellness so that you can fully take advantage of them.

The Value of a Psychologically Healthy Workplace

How to Be Supportive As a Friend or Family Member

If you have a close friend or family member struggling with depression, it can be hard to knowhow to best support them. That said, you are in aunique place to provide supportand encouragement.

One study looked at the advantages and disadvantages of people struggling with depression reaching out to family and friends.It found thatwhen people share their feelingswith loved ones, it can make them feel supported and help them share the burden associated with depression.

It also gives family members and friends the chance to encourage their loved one to seek out professional help.

Other studies have shown that perceived mental health stigma among family and friends is a significant barrier to seeking help for depression.

That being said, the best thing to do is to let the person know that you heard them, you understand that they feel down, and you’re there for a word of support or to help out whenever they need it.

What to Say to Someone Who Is Depressed

Use the timeto fully relax and recharge. This is also a good time to talk to your therapist, even if it’s for a last-minute session.

“Consider healthy lifestyle choices such ashealthy nutrition, getting somephysical activity, taking time forrest and sleep, and engaging inmindfulness or meditationpractices,” Susman suggests.

While these may sound mundane, they can help you gain back your sense of calm and control. Never feel guilty for prioritizing your mental health. Also, don’t feel like you have to wait until you’re entirely overwhelmed to step down for a day. Admitting that you don’t feel well, in this case, is a sign of strength.

There are also times when you might want to consider reaching out to your doctor or a mental health professional for further assistance. If you have been experiencing symptoms that are creating distress and interfering with your life, for longer than two weeks, it is important to talk to your doctor. This may indicate a more serious mental health condition such as depression.

Symptoms of depression can include:

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

The Best Online Therapy Services for Depression We Tried and Tested

4 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DeFilippis E, Impink SM, Singell M, Polzer J, Sadun R.Collaborating During Coronavirus: The Impact of COVID-19 on the Nature of Work.National Bureau of Economic Research; 2020. doi:10.3386/w27612U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Private industry workers received average of 15 paid vacation days after 5 years of service in 2017.Griffiths KM, Crisp DA, Barney L, Reid R.Seeking help for depression from family and friends: A qualitative analysis of perceived advantages and disadvantages.BMC Psychiatry. 2011;11(1):196.Samari E, Teh WL, Roystonn K, et al.Perceived mental illness stigma among family and friends of young people with depression and its role in help-seeking: A qualitative inquiry.BMC Psychiatry. 2022;22(1):107. doi:10.1186/s12888-022-03754-0

4 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DeFilippis E, Impink SM, Singell M, Polzer J, Sadun R.Collaborating During Coronavirus: The Impact of COVID-19 on the Nature of Work.National Bureau of Economic Research; 2020. doi:10.3386/w27612U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Private industry workers received average of 15 paid vacation days after 5 years of service in 2017.Griffiths KM, Crisp DA, Barney L, Reid R.Seeking help for depression from family and friends: A qualitative analysis of perceived advantages and disadvantages.BMC Psychiatry. 2011;11(1):196.Samari E, Teh WL, Roystonn K, et al.Perceived mental illness stigma among family and friends of young people with depression and its role in help-seeking: A qualitative inquiry.BMC Psychiatry. 2022;22(1):107. doi:10.1186/s12888-022-03754-0

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

DeFilippis E, Impink SM, Singell M, Polzer J, Sadun R.Collaborating During Coronavirus: The Impact of COVID-19 on the Nature of Work.National Bureau of Economic Research; 2020. doi:10.3386/w27612U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Private industry workers received average of 15 paid vacation days after 5 years of service in 2017.Griffiths KM, Crisp DA, Barney L, Reid R.Seeking help for depression from family and friends: A qualitative analysis of perceived advantages and disadvantages.BMC Psychiatry. 2011;11(1):196.Samari E, Teh WL, Roystonn K, et al.Perceived mental illness stigma among family and friends of young people with depression and its role in help-seeking: A qualitative inquiry.BMC Psychiatry. 2022;22(1):107. doi:10.1186/s12888-022-03754-0

DeFilippis E, Impink SM, Singell M, Polzer J, Sadun R.Collaborating During Coronavirus: The Impact of COVID-19 on the Nature of Work.National Bureau of Economic Research; 2020. doi:10.3386/w27612

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Private industry workers received average of 15 paid vacation days after 5 years of service in 2017.

Griffiths KM, Crisp DA, Barney L, Reid R.Seeking help for depression from family and friends: A qualitative analysis of perceived advantages and disadvantages.BMC Psychiatry. 2011;11(1):196.

Samari E, Teh WL, Roystonn K, et al.Perceived mental illness stigma among family and friends of young people with depression and its role in help-seeking: A qualitative inquiry.BMC Psychiatry. 2022;22(1):107. doi:10.1186/s12888-022-03754-0

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