What to do when you can't work due to mental health?

Asked by: Domenick Stehr  |  Last update: July 16, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (20 votes)

If you find you are not able to work due to a mental health condition, short- or long-term, connect with a social service provider that can address your needs. Having a fulfilling job that you are able to perform can do wonders to improve mental health.

What to do when your mental health is so bad you can t work?

If you feel you can't work due to your mental health, it is usually a good idea to be open about it and inform your work management and/or colleagues. However, each work environment is different, and it is equally important to consider your situation before making the decision.

What qualifies for mentally unable to work?

Mental and psychological disabilities are among the conditions that can qualify for benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). You may qualify with severe depression, bipolar disorder, an anxiety disorder, or another mental illness that prevents you from maintaining gainful employment.

What if mental health is not allowing me to work?

Leave for the Employee's Mental Health Condition

An eligible employee may take up to 12 workweeks of leave for their own serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform their essential job duties. Example: Karen is occasionally unable to work due to severe anxiety.

How do you say you can't come into work because of mental health?

If you need time off for your mental health

Example: 'I have been having some struggles with my mental health lately. If I were to come into the office today, I could not provide anything near my usual quality of work.

Depression, Anxiety, PTSD: What to Do When Nothing Seems to Work

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Can you get fired for struggling with mental health?

This law is known as the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a federal law that prevents employees from being fired due to discrimination against disabilities, which includes mental illness.

What if I'm too mentally ill to work?

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.

Can I get FMLA for mental health?

The FMLA defines a serious health condition as an illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition that involves either inpatient care or continuing treatment by a health care provider. Both physical and mental health conditions qualify for FMLA leave.

What if my mental health prevents me from working?

If your mental health means you aren't able to work or it is making it too hard for you to work full time, you might be able to get benefits to top up your income. Universal Credit is a benefit for anyone with low or no income.

How much does mental health disability pay?

The maximum mental health disability pay through SSDI in 2023 is $3,267, and the maximum is based on the maximum annual earnings that are subject to Social Security taxes. The average monthly SSDI mental health disability benefit, according to the Social Security Administration, is $1,483 in 2023.

What is the hardest mental illness to live with?

What Is the Hardest Mental Illness to Live With?
  • Schizophrenia.
  • Severe Bipolar Disorder.
  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
  • Major Depression and Treatment-Resistant Depression.
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Eating Disorders.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • So, What is the hardest mental illness to live with?

Can a therapist write a letter for FMLA?

It depends on the type of therapist, their licensure, and if they offer this service to their clients/patients. The law defines who is considered a health care provider for the purpose of FMLA - the Department of Labor's Fact Sheet #28G outlines which providers can complete FMLA forms.

Can I take a month off work for mental health?

Stress Leave California

For example, California Government Code §12945.2(a), also known as the California Family Rights Act, requires employers to allow employees with serious health conditions to take up to 12 weeks off in any 12-month period.

What are the signs of a psychotic break?

What are the signs and symptoms of psychosis?
  • Suspiciousness, paranoid ideas, or uneasiness with others.
  • Trouble thinking clearly and logically.
  • Withdrawing socially and spending a lot more time alone.
  • Unusual or overly intense ideas, strange feelings, or a lack of feelings.
  • Decline in self-care or personal hygiene.

What to do if you have anxiety and can't work?

If holistic methods didn't alleviate your symptoms, it is time to visit a mental health expert. A therapist will conduct an interview, asking questions about your current mental health and mental health history. The therapist may use assessment tools to further evaluate the state of your anxiety and/or depression.

How do you tell your boss you can t work because of mental health?

Budget more time than you think you'll need so that the conversation isn't cut short. 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.

Can I lose my job due to mental illness?

While the ADA doesn't prohibit firing employees with mental health disorders outright, it does prevent employers from terminating them based on factors that have nothing to do with their performance or contributions to the team or company. Violating this condition could result in serious legal consequences.

Can I get unemployment if I quit because of mental illness?

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.

What mental illness qualifies for disability?

  • OVERVIEW OF SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY. PROGRAMS.
  • impairments.
  • Neurocognitive disorders;
  • Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorder;
  • Depressive, bipolar and related disorders;

Why use FMLA instead of sick leave?

The FMLA and the CFRA are federal and state leave laws that allow eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave. FMLA and CFRA help to protect your job while you are receiving Disability Insurance or Paid Family Leave benefits when you must: Take medical leave for yourself.

How to explain absence due to mental health?

If you think your employer will be understanding and you'd like to explain, you might adapt one of the following phrases to suit your situation:
  1. “I'd like to take time off as I'm not in a good frame of mind. ...
  2. “My depression symptoms have worsened and I need a day off to recover.

How long can I take off work for mental health?

The length of time an employee may be signed off from work with stress depends on the type and severity of their mental health issue. In some cases, it can be as short as a couple of days or weeks, but in more severe cases, may take several months or even longer.

What to do if you Cannot work due to mental illness?

If you are unable to work due to a mental illness, you should consider applying for Social Security Disability Benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will look at your case individually to determine if your condition is severe enough to qualify for benefits.

How to pass a mental evaluation for disability?

Tips on How to Pass the Social Security Mental Exam
  1. Answer all the questions. The disability mental exam questions are designed to give the examiner a clear picture of your mental health. ...
  2. Be specific. ...
  3. Don't answer questions you aren't asked. ...
  4. Be honest. ...
  5. Don't hold back. ...
  6. Do your best on any tests you're given.

Will I lose my job if I go to a mental hospital?

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