If you want to take paid sick leave, you may need a doctor's note to qualify for stress leave with your employer. Your employer can ask for documentation regardless of how much time you intend to take off.
If the stress you are suffering is simply too much and affecting your health, you may wish to consider visiting your GP who can sign you off work until you have recovered fully.
How long can you be signed off work with stress? If you are off work for fewer than seven days, you don't need a sick note for stress and depression. You can 'self-certify'—which means filling in a form when you return to work. This applies to any sickness, not just mental health issues.
You can get a sick note for mental health issues like depression, work related stress, and anxiety.
Contact your GP as soon as you know you'll need a fit note, and get the first appointment you can. Be honest and forward when answering their questions, so they can build a truthful picture of your issues. If your doctor decides your problems affect your fitness for work, they can issue a fit note.
Burnout Recovery Time
Because of this variation, recovery time can take anywhere from a few weeks to several years.
If an employee has been diagnosed with stress or anxiety, they can be allowed time off. A lot of people have anxiety but they shouldn't be put on leave because of it. Mental illness is often defined as a chronic illness; and sometimes people must find a way to live with.
When speaking with your doctor, explain that you're thinking about taking a stress leave from work and describe your stress symptoms. Be honest about how your stress level is affecting your professional and personal life.
According to Fair Work Australia: “An employee can take paid sick leave when they can't work because of a personal illness or injury. This can include stress and pregnancy-related illnesses.” In other words, if you have a stress-related illness, your employer should allow you to take paid sick leave.
You can always state, "I have a difficult time handling this stress level, and because of that, I am resigning." You can also add how it may affect your health or life outside of work. Being honest and upfront can hopefully allow the employer to look for ways to change the role or workload in the future for others.
If you are suffering from stress, or feel unwell, speak to your GP immediately. Speak to your boss or to your UNISON rep if you feel your workload is unreasonably high, if you feel you are under pressure, or if you are being harassed or otherwise discriminated against in any way.
The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can be used for mental health leave like any other medical leave you might need to take for yourself or your family. Whether you yourself are eligible to apply for FMLA and use it depends upon whether you meet the FMLA requirements. It also depends on the size of your employer.
When a nervous breakdown is work-related, some professionals refer to it as burnout syndrome. It's most likely brought on by stress from work including upcoming deadlines, increased workloads, unreasonable targets, etc.
A nervous breakdown, also known as a mental health crisis or mental breakdown, describes a period of intense mental distress. A person having a nervous breakdown is temporarily not able to function in their everyday life.
Unfortunately, while you can't be fired for burnout, you can be fired for poor job performance. It may feel nerve-wracking, but protecting your job may mean speaking to a manager or human resources professional. They can help you navigate what your options and rights are.
Be clear about the impact your mental health challenges are having at work. If the cause is work-related, share that also. As much as possible, come with suggestions for how your manager or HR can help you. Have ideas about what changes or resources you'd find beneficial.
“Recently I've been having a hard time with my [condition] and am going to take a sick day today to try and rest up. I'll be back tomorrow.” “I'm feeling burnt out, and am planning to take a sick day today to take care of my mental health. I'll be back in the office tomorrow, thank you for understanding.”
Taking Time Off from Work Due to Depression
Employees diagnosed with major depression are permitted to take time off work to get treatment and recover from depression. In addition to being protected by the ADA, employees are also protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Chronic stress — stress that occurs consistently over a long period of time — can have a negative impact on a person's immune system and physical health. If you are constantly under stress, you may experience physical symptoms such as chest pain, headaches, an upset stomach, trouble sleeping or high blood pressure.
If stress is causing you physical health problems, your GP may run some tests to see how they can help manage the symptoms. They may suggest some options to help you manage your stress, such as wellbeing and relaxation tips. They might be able to refer you to social prescribing, if it is available in your area.