I am having a week off work for my mental health. I do not like admitting this. I feel vulnerable, sad + like I am admitting failure. But I have lived with mental health problems for 20+ years + have learnt when I need to just stop, rest and reset #MentalHealthAwareness 1/4

I have learnt that this often happens at the very moment that I feel I cannot possibly stop – my to do list is too long, my fear of letting others down too great, + I am consumed by a desire to just try + keep going a little longer 2/4

This year has been a horrible one to be in academia, + despite amazing support from colleagues, this is taking a large toll on all of us 3/4

To be an effective HoD + academic I need to be healthy + looking after myself too. I am sharing this publicly to help erase the shame some of us feel when we struggle with mental health. Look after yourselves 4/4