Dr. Cyrus recommends keeping it short: "'I'm not feeling well today and would like to call in sick' — because feeling emotionally sick counts. Or, 'I'm unable to come in due to personal reasons. '"
Be clear and concise, stating the specifics of how your mental health problems are impacting your work. The point here is to keep it professional and appropriate—your boss is not a therapist or close friend, so you need to stick to what matter's to the workplace.
“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.”
Personal illness, especially contagious types, are almost always a valid excuse to take off time off from work. Employers don't want to find themselves with an epidemic of illness spreading through the workplace because this seriously affects operations and productivity.
Or, when you're sick and unsure of precisely when you'll return, you might communicate something like this: Hi, _____. I'm not feeling well and will be out today and likely tomorrow. I've already reached out to the team to update them on the two urgent proposals I'm working on.
You should seek the help of medical professionals such as a psychotherapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist if you experience prolonged periods of a low mood, aversion or disinterest in activities or work, disruptions to your sleep, or thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
There's no set period of time to be signed off work with stress depression or anxiety. The doctor will keep signing you off for as long as your symptoms prevent you from working. What is this? Being off work for mental health related issues is very common, you are not alone.
Although stress is a mental condition, it's legally treated the same as physical illness and if you're feeling unwell or unable to cope owing to stress, you can approach your GP and seek time off work to help you recover.
Can You Get Disability for Anxiety? Yes, the SSA considers anxiety to be a disability as long as you are able to prove that you are unable to work full time because of it. You will need to prove that you qualify for disability with anxiety.
Anxiety, stress, or depression leave from work may require multiple days off, which is where FMLA may come in handy. This may be enough time to seek more intensive treatment if needed or time to relax and seek support. However, if you are thinking “can I get a sick note for anxiety”, the answer is yes.
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.
Under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, mental illness is included in the reasons you may use sick time.
Yes, anxiety can cause nausea and other gastrointestinal problems. Outside of your brain, your digestive system contains the second largest number of nerves in your body. Some scientists even call your gut your "second brain."
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.
It's entirely up to you how much you want to disclose - you don't have to "name" your condition but be careful about words like “stress” which can mean many different things and is often misinterpreted. If you have seen your doctor, and have a diagnosis, then let your employer know you are ill.
Yes, you should apologize for any inconvenience caused by your calling in sick. This will demonstrate to your team and your boss that you are appreciative and you are responsible.
If you want to call in sick to your job for mental health reasons, here's an example of what you might say: "I've been having some challenges recently with my mental health, so I am going to take a personal day to help me recuperate. Thank you for understanding and I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow."
The best last-minute excuses to miss work include personal illness, family emergency, doctor's appointments, child care, mental health challenges, death of a loved one, and household problems. In fact, any unforeseen circumstance that requires your attention is among the best last-minute excuses to miss work.
Be honest about your reason.
Most likely, they will want to help and provide any resources they can. Your manager should understand that you are a human being who has a life outside of work. Everyone needs a day off from time to time, even at the last minute, so you should feel able to be transparent about your reason.
Explain your absence honestly without making excuses, apologize for it, and if applicable, offer details about how you will prevent it from happening again. “Own your mistake. Don't make excuses for yourself, just say you're sorry.