In today’s fast-paced work environment, many employees are navigating stress and mental health challenges that can affect both their well-being and their performance. Anxiety, burnout, and emotional fatigue are becoming increasingly common, and sometimes, the best way to reset is by taking a mental leave of absence. Stepping away from the daily grind to focus on self-care, therapy, or medication can be a powerful tool for maintaining a healthy balance and ensuring long-term productivity and happiness at work.
While it’s understandable to be concerned about the stigma of mental health, taking care of your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health. Prioritizing mental health is a valid, often necessary, reason to temporarily step away from work.
If you or someone you know is struggling and it’s interfering with your ability to perform at work, keep reading. We’re addressing common questions about taking a mental health leave from work, including when it’s time, how to do it, what to expect when you return, and more.
Can You Take a Leave of Absence for Mental Health?
Yes, you can take a mental health leave from work. In fact, it’s a legally protected right covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The FMLA ensures that eligible employees have the right to take time off from their jobs to address mental health conditions and other medical conditions. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) offers additional protection from discrimination related to disability and mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
There are two types of leave you might be eligible to take under the FMLA for mental health:
- Short-term leave: Short-term leave allows you to take up to 12 weeks off work within 12 months. An example of when you might take short-term leave could be after the birth of a child or to recover from surgery.
- Long-term leave: Long-term leave lets you take several months — up to 26 weeks — off per year. It can be used to care for an ill family member, bond after an adoption, or get through a major medical treatment, like chemotherapy for cancer. Long-term disability may also fall under the protection of the FMLA.
As we continue to normalize and destigmatize mental healthcare in the workplace, more employers and companies are making an effort to provide accommodations. From covering therapy to providing employee assistance programs (EAPs), the growing acceptance of addressing mental and emotional well-being is helping countless numbers of workers every year.
“Taking a mental health leave allows individuals to step back from daily stressors and focus on their emotional well-being. By addressing issues early, mental health leaves can help prevent more serious conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, or burnout from escalating. Prioritizing mental health in this way fosters a healthier mindset and reduces the risk of future crises.”
– Talkspace therapist Bisma Anwar, LPC, LMHC
Recognizing When It’s Time to Take a Mental Health Leave
It’s crucial to recognize mental health conditions before they escalate, making it hard to manage symptoms. Having an occasional stressful day at work is normal, but recognizing when it signifies a persistent mental health condition requiring treatment is crucial. Understanding the warning signs and trusting your instincts and state of mind helps you determine if you need professional attention. For those unsure how to open up, learning how to tell someone you’re not okay mentally can be an important first step towards seeking support and taking a mental health leave.
Signs that it might be time to temporarily step away from your job include:
- Persistent stress that’s difficult to manage — immediately feeling uneasy, a sense of dread, or like you can’t get out of bed in the mornings
- Missed deadlines, especially if you’ve been punctual in the past
- Emotional exhaustion that leaves you feeling constantly drained
- Frequently making mistakes even though you consider yourself detail-oriented
- Feeling detached from your job or as if you’re just going through the motions
- Noticeable decrease in productivity that’s affecting how you do your job
- Recurring physical symptoms (like insomnia or fatigue) that interfere with your ability to function daily
- Difficulty balancing professional and personal responsibilities and feeling like you aren’t doing your best in either area
If you’re experiencing any of the above or struggling at work in any other way, trust your instincts and ask for help — early intervention can lead to a faster recovery. The sooner you get help, the better your chance is of a quick and full recovery. If you’re unsure about the severity of your condition, there are signs you need to go to a mental hospital that can help you assess the situation and seek urgent care.
How to Take a Mental Health Leave from Work
Once you’ve decided to take a leave of absence for mental health, following a simple process will make the transition easier. The steps here ensure your leave is less disruptive — for you, your coworkers, and your employer.
Familiarize yourself with company policies
Make sure you understand your company’s policy on taking a mental health leave. This often involves understanding how to navigate your rights under the FMLA. Most organizations have procedures for requesting a leave of absence, even if it’s due to a mental health crisis. These policies are vital for protecting your mental health and finding support. Ask about required documents you might need to provide, and have open, frank conversations about the protections that are in place.
Consult a healthcare provider
Talking to your healthcare provider before taking a mental health leave of absence is always a smart step. Proactively addressing your mental health can help you avoid further work-related challenges. Your provider can supply the necessary documentation for your employer and offer valuable recommendations on managing your condition or navigating your situation during your time away.
Disclaimer: Please note that Talkspace providers do not provide leave of absence paperwork or any official documentation related to workplace absences. For any employment-related documentation, we recommend reaching out to your employer or a healthcare provider directly.
Plan your leave
Setting goals during your leave helps you get the most out of your time off. For example, you might decide to:
- Schedule therapy sessions
- Learn stress management techniques
- Take yoga or meditation classes
- Start a regular workout routine
- Practice self care, like scheduling a massage
Notify your employer
When the time comes, officially inform your employer (in writing) that you are taking a mental health leave of absence. While you can explain how the leave will help you and ultimately benefit the company, don’t feel obligated to overshare if you’re uncomfortable. If you’re close to your manager, you might start by talking to them before submitting a formal notice in writing. Not sure where to start? Here’s how to talk to your boss about mental health.
Submit documentation (if needed)
Most HR departments require specific documentation, such as the government-provided FMLA certification form, to validate your leave. Be sure to complete and submit this paperwork as soon as possible to avoid any delays or concerns about your mental health condition.
Plan for a smooth transition
Planning ahead can make a big difference when preparing for a leave of absence. Coordinating with colleagues and management to delegate tasks ensures minimal disruption to workflows and provides peace of mind that your responsibilities will be handled effectively during your absence. By preparing in advance, you can help create a smooth transition while demonstrating professionalism and commitment to your role.
Making the Most of Your Mental Health Leave
As you start your leave of absence, the most important thing to remember is: do not feel guilty. Remember that a mental health leave is a necessary break to address mental health conditions.
Use this time to heal, prioritize yourself, and work toward your long-term mental health goals. As you prepare to return to work, focusing on achieving a healthy work-life balance will be key. Incorporating regular self-care into your routine and maintaining a balance between job demands and personal well-being are essential steps toward sustaining your mental health.
During your leave of absence, support your mental and emotional well-being by:
- Starting therapy
- Practicing mindfulness techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises
- Reconnecting with old friends and family
- Finding new or pick up old hobbies again
- Eating a healthy diet
- Prioritizing sleep
“Intentional self-care during a mental health leave is essential for promoting recovery and restoring balance. Engaging in activities like mindfulness, exercise, and connecting with supportive people can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Create a structured routine during this time, including regular sleep, meals, and breaks for relaxation. A structured approach also helps maintain progress, offering a roadmap for healthy habits that support long-term mental health after returning to daily life.”
– Talkspace therapist Bisma Anwar, LPC, LMHC
Returning to Work After a Mental Health Leave
By the time you return to work, you should feel refreshed and recharged, ready to take on your professional responsibilities with renewed energy and focus.
It’s natural to feel nervous or anxious about returning to work after a mental health leave. To ensure a successful transition, start by setting clear boundaries and understanding your current state of mind. Recognizing your limits and pacing yourself will help you navigate your return with confidence while reducing the risk of future burnout.
Consider the following tips as you prepare to head back to the office:
- Set and enforce boundaries: After a mental health leave of absence, it is crucial to set and communicate your boundaries—particularly with leadership. For instance, you might decide to limit responding to emails or calls outside of work hours, prioritize leaving the office at a reasonable time each day, or avoid overcommitting to new projects or responsibilities. Clear boundaries help protect your mental well-being as you ease back into your routine.
- Pace yourself: Even if you’re eager to return to work, it’s important to ease back into your schedule and responsibilities gradually. Jumping in too quickly can lead to unnecessary stress and undo the progress you’ve made during your time away.
- Communicate your needs: The most essential part of your return is being open and honest about your state of mind. Don’t be ashamed to express your needs as you transition back into your role.
- Ask for flexibility: You might benefit from accommodations like flexibility, reducing your hours, or having the opportunity to work remotely.
Breaking the Stigma Around Taking a Mental Health Leave
Deciding to take care of your mental health is brave. The vulnerability it takes to ask for help is a sign of your strength. Breaking the stigma around taking a mental health leave and normalizing the importance of prioritizing mental well-being can set a positive example in your workplace. If you’re considering taking a mental health leave of absence, support is available whenever you take your break.
Sources:
- Family and Medical Leave Act. DOL. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla. Accessed December 12, 2024.
- Creynolds. Can I be fired for my mental illness? Mental Health America. August 29, 2022. https://screening.mhanational.org/content/can-i-be-fired-my-mental-illness/. Accessed December 12, 2024.
- Williams R, Morris A, Gupta V, Penington E, Cullen AE, Quirk A, French P, Lennox B, Bottle A, Crawford MJ. Predictors of positive patient-reported outcomes from ‘Early Intervention in Psychosis’: a national cross-sectional study. BMJ Mental Health. 2023;26(1):e300716. doi:10.1136/bmjment-2023-300716. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10577709/. Accessed December 12, 2024.
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