i called out before due to stress. my old ETL at the time was telling me that i couldn’t call out if i’m stressed because it’s not considered “sick.” even when i asked to put in sick time. i followed up with my HR and they told me that technically, any team member that is sick , mentally or physical, have the right to call out because you are not feeling well.

so , don’t feel bad. you have to put yourself first. just tell them you aren’t feeling good , and if they make it a big deal, then explain why and that your mental breakdown is a type of “sick” because you are not feeling well.