How to tell your boss your job is affecting your mental health?

Asked by: Dr. Casimir Lockman  |  Last update: August 17, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (6 votes)

Meet with your manager.
To start the conversation, you might say, “I want to share something with you that affects me personally and tell you what I need to stay healthy.” Mention to your manager that you've asked HR what resources are available, such as an EAP, and what accommodations are possible, he says.

What can I do if my job is affecting my mental health?

If a job is wreaking havoc on your mental health and contributing to issues like depression or anxiety, it is okay to quit and find something new. In fact, this may be the best option if you want to prevent your condition from getting worse.

How to tell your boss you need a mental health break from work?

“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.”

How do you explain leaving a job for mental health reasons?

Therefore, I am resigning to focus on my mental health. I appreciate all of the opportunities you have given me during my time with the company, and I thank you for understanding my situation. If there is anything I can do to help make this transition easier, please don't hesitate to reach out.

How to tell your boss you won t be in because of mental health?

Be clear and direct

This isn't the time to sugarcoat things. Explain your mental health challenges exactly as they are. This openness and vulnerability will help your boss clearly understand your feelings. With all the information in front of them, they'll better decide how to help you.

Talking About Mental Health at Work – Can I Speak to Your Manager? | Mark Bailey | TEDxDayton

20 related questions found

Can I resign due to mental illness?

A resignation letter due to health and stress is a professional document that outlines your decision to resign from your current position because of mental or physical health-related issues.

How do you tell your boss you're struggling mentally examples?

Scripts you can use with your boss

Lately, I've been experiencing stress and burnout and would like to request time off to manage my mental health.” “I've been struggling lately with personal stress. I know I've been distracted and unfocused at work as a result.

Can my boss fire me for taking a mental health day?

The Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA) protects employees from discrimination based on a disability—including mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.

How do you tell your boss they are stressing you out?

How to Approach this boss:
  1. Keep your statements neutral and professional. Avoid personal attacks or emotional statements.
  2. Try using your boss's criticisms as a way to gain some common ground. Ask them what they would like you to improve or how the two of you can solve some of their concerns together.

What do I do if I can't work due to anxiety and depression?

If you find you cannot work due to mental illness, you may be able to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. You must provide proof of the mental health disorder by first receiving an official diagnosis of mental illness. Also, SSDI does not pay benefits until after the fifth month of disability.

How long should you stay off work with depression?

Sometimes you need to take a break

If therapy isn't enough, it might help to take time off from work. It could be anywhere from one day to several months, but taking time to process, rest, heal and seek proper treatment can make all the difference.

How long can you take a mental break from work?

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA): This is a federal employment law that requires employers to offer up to 12 weeks of leave for a variety of family or medical reasons, including mental health concerns. While your job will be protected, note that this leave is entirely unpaid.

What is a nervous breakdown at work?

A nervous breakdown at work is the result of many factors, such as personal issues combined with workplace stressors that lead to emotional and psychological collapse, which may also include physical effects such as lack of sleep.

How do I tell my work I need time off for mental health?

You don't have to go into personal details, just focus on how your mental health problem can affect your job. Who you want to share it with. For example, you might tell the human resources (HR) department about your diagnosis, but you don't have to tell your supervisor or colleagues.

Can your boss say no to a mental health day?

Laura Handrick from Choosing Therapy explains, “If your employer has 50 or more employees or you're under federal contract, you are protected by federal labor and anti-discrimination laws that prevent your employer from penalizing you for taking time off for a mental health.” Depending on your workplace, asking for a ...

Should I tell my boss I have anxiety?

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.

How do you say you are struggling mentally?

'I'm struggling with my feelings at the moment. ' It can also be helpful to tell your friend what you want from the conversation so that they know what they can do to help you. This could be simply listening to you when you need to talk about it, supporting you, or helping you to access services that can help you.

Should I quit my job if it makes me depressed?

If you are suffering from exhaustion, depression, anxiety, or other stress-related issues, then burnout is almost certainly contributing to your problems. When you have done everything you can to get relief at work and nothing changes, your only recourse is to leave.

Should I quit my job if it gives me anxiety?

Maybe. If you work in a high-stress job and have a lot of anxiety, there's no doubt that taking some time off or changing to a less stressful career will help your anxiety. If you find yourself asking “should I quit my job because of anxiety?” then it might be time to reevaluate your work situation.

How do you explain leaving a job due to burnout?

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.

Can you get FMLA for stress and anxiety?

FMLA may help those going through extreme stress or mental illness if their symptoms impact their ability to function. According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), employees qualify for FMLA if they or a family member experiences a serious physical or mental health condition.

What is considered a mental break?

A nervous breakdown (also called a mental breakdown) is a term that describes a period of extreme mental or emotional stress. The stress is so great that the person is unable to perform normal day-to-day activities. The term “nervous breakdown” isn't a clinical one.

Is depression a valid reason to miss work?

According to the Department of Labor, It's not illegal to take time off for mental health reasons, but employers are not obligated to provide paid sick leave. Your employer may request medical certification of your condition, but the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits them from asking invasive questions.

Can a job turn you down for depression?

It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you because you have depression, so you cannot legally be fired, rejected for a job or a promotion, or forced to take a leave.