I haven't been able to work since March, and my mental health is SO much better!
I'm 'lucky' though, because I'm medically Disabled and have a bit of money still coming in, plus I have a working fiancé that I live with and that helps. Disability rules allow me to work part time—BUT my doctors have always recommended I not work at all due to my conditions. Disability isn't nearly enough to live on, though, so I was working 15 hours/ week until I slipped and fell last month and broke my right arm. At first I was so upset that I'd be unable to work, but the doctors are right–I should not be working. The fucking rat race that fully healthy people do would probably kill me, tbh. I used to work 70+ hours/week before I became disabled, and I have no idea how I even survived it. That schedule was treated as completely normal at my old job, but it destroyed my mind and body over time.
Breaking my arm has honestly been such a strange relief. The doctor said I won't be healed for TWO MONTHS, and I'm thinking BRING IT ON. haha. I can't drive and I have to dip into my savings, but the trade-off is totally worth it.
Work life in America is bullshit, even for us part-timers.