If your employer cannot accommodate your needs, or your needs are too great to continue working, then quitting your job might save your mental health. This is a tough decision so do not make it alone. Work with a physician, counselor, or psychotherapist to determine how you can proceed down this path.
Check with the mental health agency where you receive mental health services. Your state may offer several different ways to find employment, including: Vocational rehabilitation (rehab) services. Rehab services help a person with a serious mental health condition or disability find and keep a job.
mood swings. being withdrawn. loss of motivation, commitment and confidence. increased emotional reactions – being more tearful, sensitive or aggressive.
This absence right must be provided and treated just like a physical illness. There are many disorders which sit under mental health sickness. Some of the most common ones include work-related stress, anxiety, and depression.
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).
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.
If your stress is impacting your health, you may want to resign immediately so you can focus on getting help. Otherwise, giving notice can help preserve your professional reputation. Assess your current situation and decide which option is best for you, then clearly state your last day in your resignation letter.
Frantic emails off-hours, unnecessary follow-ups, micromanagement, unrealistic deadlines and expectations, complete disregard of work/life balance—and, in this case, utter disregard for unique personal needs—are major red flags that can compound over time and lead employees to quit.
If you decide to fully disclose burnout as a cause, frame it as a strength. For example, if your burnout was due to a values mismatch, explain the steps you've taken to get clear about your values and how the new position is a better fit.
Spotting possible signs of a mental health problem
Not everyone will show obvious signs of poor mental health and it's important not to make assumptions. But some possible signs at work include: appearing tired, anxious or withdrawn. increase in sickness absence or being late to work.
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.
Financial help if you have a physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition that is likely to persist for more than 2 years and stops you from working.
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.
A great way to reduce stress and anxiety at work is to keep a strict agenda or create a daily to-do list for yourself to make sure you're focused and can stay on track. Set achievable goals: This ties in with keeping yourself organized. Avoid spreading yourself too thin at work to prevent anxiety and stress.
Instead, high-functioning anxiety typically refers to someone who experiences anxiety while still managing daily life quite well. Generally, a person with high-functioning anxiety may appear put together and well- accomplished on the outside, yet experience worry, stress or have obsessive thoughts on the inside.
As with all things, you only need to disclose what you feel comfortable talking about. Addressing mental health with your employer can have positive outcomes and can enable them to support you. In the long run, it can improve how you feel about work and empower you to seek help when needed.