How to disclose mental illness to an employer?
Asked by: Tommie Trantow | Last update: April 9, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (55 votes)
Your employer may ask you to put your request in writing, and to generally describe your condition and how it affects your work. The employer also may ask you to submit a letter from your health care provider documenting that you have a mental health condition, and that you need an accommodation because of it.
How do you tell your boss you are mentally unwell?
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.
How do you say mentally ill professionally?
There are different terminologies used by people to describe their mental health status. These may include mental health problems, mental disorder, mental health condition and psychiatric disability. These different terms may refer to the extent of their condition and whether it has been formally diagnosed.
How do you say your mental health is bad in an email?
Dear [name of teacher, professor or manager/HR team], I wanted to let you know that I've been struggling with my mental health recently [you may want to tell them exactly what you've been dealing with, such as depression, anxiety, difficulties at home, etc. – or just say that you've been feeling low!].
How to tell if your job is affecting your mental health?
- Overwhelming Workload. ...
- Underwhelming Workload. ...
- Feeling Undervalued. ...
- Relationships Are Affected. ...
- Physical Symptoms.
How to Disclose Your Mental Illness to An Employer | Advice Series
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 are 5 signs of work-related stress?
- fatigue.
- muscular tension.
- headaches.
- heart palpitations.
- sleeping difficulties, such as insomnia.
- gastrointestinal upsets, such as diarrhoea or constipation.
- dermatological disorders.
Should I tell my boss I'm struggling mentally?
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.
How do you say my mental health is bad professionally?
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.
What is the professional way to say mental disorder?
Acceptable terms are people with psychiatric disabilities, psychiatric illnesses, emotional disorders, or mental disabilities.
How to disclose mental illness?
- “Process” talk means “talking about talking,” rather than talking to share information. Prepare your listener for an important conversation by using “process” talk. ...
- Concrete examples of what you mean by “mental illness.” Every case of mental illness is different. ...
- Suggest ways to support you.
How long can you be signed off work with depression?
So how long can you be signed off with depression? For as long as you need to get better. Some employees may need to take time off for treatment while others could just require a couple of days away from work. It's possible to return to work before a fit note runs out.
Is anxiety a mental illness?
Anxiety disorders are the most common of mental disorders. They affect nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives. However, anxiety disorders are treatable with a number of psychotherapeutic treatments. Treatment helps most people lead normal productive lives.
Should I disclose my mental illness to my employer?
Employees generally can't be required to disclose a psychiatric disability unless requesting a job accommodation. Then, the employer can ask for some medical documentation about the disability. This medical information can't be shared with others in the workplace.
Can you terminate an employee with mental health issues?
California laws on mental health and employment
The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects workers from being fired due to their mental health conditions.
How do you tell someone you're struggling emotionally?
- Find a method of communication that feels right for you. ...
- Find a suitable time and place. ...
- Practice what you want to say. ...
- Offer them relevant information and examples. ...
- Be honest and open. ...
- Suggest things they could do to help.
How do I explain mental illness to my boss?
Rather than making it about how you "feel", focus on the impact your mental health is having on your work and productivity - and how you can work together to improve the situation. Remember, your employer will want to help you not least because it makes good business sense.
Do I have to tell my employer I am on antidepressants?
You do not have to disclose information to your employer. However if your employer does not know of any issues, they are unable to help. It may be beneficial to disclose information to your employer early on, so that steps can be taken to help, and therefore hopefully prevent problems in the workplace developing.
Is mental health a reason to quit?
Yes, mental health is a valid reason to quit your job. Prioritizing one's well-being is crucial for long-term success and happiness. If the work environment negatively impacts mental health, it's essential to consider other options such as seeking professional help or exploring alternative career paths.
How to tell your boss you're struggling mentally and need time off?
- Understand what you're disclosing. ...
- Think about your “why.” ...
- Know your rights. ...
- Prepare to share your experience. ...
- Tell your manager what you need. ...
- Reinforce helpful behaviors.
What is an example of mental health discrimination at work?
It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you simply because you have a mental health condition. This includes firing you, rejecting you for a job or promotion, or forcing you to take leave.
Can HR tell my boss about my medical condition?
Any of your private health information, even if it's about you being perfectly healthy and not having a disability, is still private, and your employer shouldn't be sharing it. That's a federal cause of action.
What are 7 warning signs of stress?
- Change in eating habits.
- Eating more or less.
- Sleep problems (too much, too little)
- Difficulty talking to, holding, loved ones.
- Isolating self from others.
- Staying at home or staying at work.
- Complaining more.
- Increased use of alcohol, drugs, coffee, tobacco.
What to do if your job is affecting your mental health?
When you have a mental health issue related to work, experts recommend asking for help from a professional and other people close to you. Most organizations have an employee assistance program. If you feel you need more help than what's available through your employer, talk to your doctor.
What does burnout feel like?
Burnout is a state of complete mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion. If you are experiencing burnout, you may notice it is difficult to engage in activities you normally find meaningful. You may no longer care about the things that are important to you or experience an increasing sense of hopelessness.