Taking a break

What do you guys think about Taking a break from a relationship or even marriage? Has it worked for you ? Did it help or did things just get worst? Let’s say your partner is just going through things mentally. Battling depression loss of personality etc & he saies I need a break from everything including us I’m not okay & i need some space to think about things. Of course he’s obviously confused about the relationship if he saies this but if he’s toxic to himself can u really be mad at him for wanting a break and space to find himself ?