Auto reply: Taking a mental health day

Permission to take some time off.

Hi there!

Thanks for opening this email. You’re probably expecting a newsletter essay.

I’m taking a mental health day instead. I’m currently battling a minor case of burnout and a major case of depressive thinking. I’m lacking the energy and clarity that’s required for most things right now—even normally fulfilling things, like writing this newsletter. 

Which is why I’m taking today off. On Friday, the five-year anniversary of my late husband’s death, I’ll be spending time alone in nature. 

If all goes well, I’ll be back in your inbox next Tuesday, fueled by at least a tiny bit of the energy I’m lacking, the hope I’m craving, and the peace I’m seeking.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for another newsletter to read, I recommend these recent editions of Drawing Links, Culture Study, and The Em Dash.

Thanks for your patience!

Katie

p.s. If you are reading this and are also feeling exhausted, grief-stricken, hopeless, or lost, consider this as permission to take a break, too. Say no to a responsibility or expectation this week. Say yes to doing something kind for yourself. And please, please remember that things won’t always feel this hard. I promise that the burden you are carrying will get lighter with time.