Following the announcement, the swimmer has received criticism.
"When I read the comments in response to this, I see why there is such a big stigma around mental illness.
This is no ordinary job.
Money does not buy happiness ", writes Adam Peaty on Twitter.
"I take a break because I have been pushing extremely hard for as long as I can remember.
I have taken an average of two weeks off a year for the past seven years.
Unfortunately, there are people out there who think they know you better than yourself ", he writes in a new post.
"See it everywhere"
In recent times, several athletes have commented on the great mental pressure they are exposed to, not least during the Olympics.
Peaty himself draws parallels with other athletes.
- You see it everywhere in sports now.
You see it with Simone Biles (gymnastics).
You see it with Ben Stokes (cricket).
Mental illness plays a role and it is about finding the right balance at the elite level, he told the British Daily Telegraph when he told about the break.
The British swimming star defended his Olympic title in the 100 meter breaststroke and was part of both the team that took gold in the 4x100 meter mixed and silver in the 4x100 meter medley.