Is anxiety a valid reason to resign?

Asked by: Diana Luettgen  |  Last update: March 22, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (34 votes)

“When you're constantly stressed and burned out, when it's having a detrimental effect on your health mentally, emotionally, and/or physically, and you just can't keep going to work, it's likely time to speak with your healthcare provider. It may be time to quit if it's not an issue of a transient nature.

Is it okay to quit a job because of anxiety?

If you're considering quitting your job, it's important to speak with a mental health professional or healthcare provider first. They can help you assess your stress levels and determine if quitting your job is the right decision, or if there are alternative options such as stress leave.

How do I resign immediately due to mental health?

Go to your doctors for a mental health appointment, say you can't cope at work at the moment due to your mental health and give the reason eg really depressed and making you feel suicidal. They will sign you off work, give the note to your workplace, when the doctors note runs out you will have to get a fresh one.

Is mental health a valid reason to quit?

If you're self-aware enough to spot the signs that your gig isn't a fit anymore, quitting a job for mental health reasons might make sense—even if you don't have a backup plan.

Can I quit my job due to stress without notice?

In the US, you can almost always quit any job without any notice. Unless you have some legal contract that specifies a notice period, you can walk out the door anytime you feel like it. Most employment is ``at will'' which allows either party to stop the employment anytime either feels like it, no reason is required.

SHOULD YOU QUIT YOUR JOB? Mental health doctor gives eye opening motivational speech

32 related questions found

Can I resign with immediate effect due to stress?

Is an employee allowed to resign with immediate effect? An employee can resign with immediate effect, but it may breach their employment contract if they fail to work their required notice period.

How to explain leaving a job due to burnout?

Speak candidly about your experience with burnout, emphasizing that it was a health issue that required time off for recovery. Avoid negative language or blaming former employers or circumstances. Instead, focus on the proactive steps you took to recover.

Can I get unemployment if I quit for mental health reasons?

If you resigned because a physical or mental disability made it difficult or impossible to perform the work, you may be eligible for benefits. If you resigned because of illness or injury, you may be eligible for benefits if you meet certain conditions.

How to resign due to burnout?

Steps to writing a resignation letter due to health and stress
  1. Write down the time and date. ...
  2. Address the recipient by their name. ...
  3. Include your formal statement of resignation. ...
  4. Clearly state your final day of work. ...
  5. Express your gratitude. ...
  6. List any important information. ...
  7. Include a closing note and signature.

Can I lose my job due to mental illness?

Under federal law, workers with mental health conditions may be protected against discrimination and harassment at work related to their condition, have workplace confidentiality rights, and have a legal right to reasonable accommodations that can help them perform and keep their job.

What is an example of immediate resignation due to mental health?

An example of the opening line might be, “Due to the intolerable working conditions and the adverse effects on my mental health, I am compelled to submit my immediate resignation from my position as [Job Title].”

How do I get short term leave for mental health?

You must provide documentation to prove that your mental health condition is preventing you from performing the essential duties of your job. Your company's HR department or your “claims administrator” for your insurance company should be able to point you in the right direction as to what documentation is required.

How do you politely quit a job immediately?

Dear [Employer's Name], I am writing to inform you of my immediate resignation from my position as [role] at [Company Name]. After careful consideration, I have concluded that it is in my best interest to step down from my role effective immediately.

How to resign because of anxiety?

Sawchuk said the key is to gently approach whatever it is that's creating the discomfort, by doing “the opposite of what the anxiety is telling you to do.” He added, “If it's saying 'avoid, avoid, avoid,' we've got to figure out ways to gradually approach.”

What to say to a doctor to get stress leave?

Obtain a doctor's note clearly stating your stress is impacting your mental health and necessitates a leave of absence. Ensure the doctor's note is detailed and specific to avoid any confusion with your employer.

How to work with crippling anxiety?

Here are 11 tips for coping with an anxiety disorder:
  1. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. ...
  2. Eat healthy foods. ...
  3. Identify triggers. ...
  4. Keep physically active. ...
  5. Learn about your disorder. ...
  6. Make sleep a priority. ...
  7. Quit smoking and reduce or quit drinking caffeinated beverages. ...
  8. Socialize.

Should I quit my job if it gives me anxiety?

Quitting a job due to anxiety is acceptable when the workplace exacerbates symptoms or hinders coping mechanisms. Before resigning, seek guidance from professionals like therapists or counselors who can provide advice on managing anxiety in various situations, including at work.

Can I resign effectively immediately due to stress?

You may be able to resign effective immediately due to medical reasons, such as stress. Check your employment contract and company policies, or chat with Fair Work Australia about your rights and responsibilities.

How do you prove burnout at work?

Job burnout symptoms
  1. Do you question the value of your work?
  2. Do you drag yourself to work and have trouble getting started?
  3. Do you feel removed from your work and the people you work with?
  4. Have you lost patience with co-workers, customers or clients?
  5. Do you lack the energy to do your job well?

Can I quit my job immediately due to mental health?

So while leaving without notice isn't common courtesy, it doesn't have to burn bridges or ruin your career if you're honest about why you need to leave. that's impacting your mental health is a very valid reason for wanting to leave quickly. You need to do what's best for you, on a timeline that works for you.

What is a good cause for quitting a job?

"Good cause" exists for leaving work, when a substantial motivating factor in causing the claimant to leave work, at the time of leaving, whether or not work connected, is real, substantial, and compelling and would cause a reasonable person genuinely desirous of retaining employment to leave work under the same ...

What if I quit my job due to health issues?

If you quit your job because of your illness or disability or the illness, disability, or death of a family member, you may be able to establish “good cause” to quit if you can show the following: (1) You left work primarily because of the illness, disability, or death.

Can I resign while on stress leave?

Resignation during sick leave

An employee can resign while they're off sick. They should follow the right process to resign.

How do you explain you left a job due to mental health?

You can say something like: “After realizing the toll the workload was taking on my health, I took a step back to reevaluate my priorities. I learned the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and now prioritize self-care to ensure optimal performance.”

Should I quit my job if I feel burnout?

Leaving a job due to burnout can bring several advantages. First, it can lead to stress relief and improved mental health. No longer being overwhelmed by a high-pressure job allows for recovery and self-care.