What to say to a doctor to get signed off work with stress?

Asked by: Omer Larkin  |  Last update: August 10, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (46 votes)

Below are some key points to remember when talking to your doctor about stress leave:
  • Be open about your symptoms.
  • Be upfront about your feelings. Don't leave out any details.
  • Listen to your doctor's advice.
  • If needed, book follow-up appointments.
  • Explain your situation clearly and what you feel triggers your predicament.

What to say to the doctor to get stress leave?

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  • Call the GP's office and say ``I would like to talk to someone about my mental health''.
  • Tell the practitioner/GP how you are feeling, that you do not feel able to work, and that work is making it worse
  • Say ``I need some time off.

Can my doctor write me out of work for stress?

The FMLA allows for up to 12 weeks of leave during a 12-month period. To get stress leave from work, you'll need to make an appointment with your healthcare provider to document your stress-related health condition.

How long will my doctor give me off for stress?

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.

How do I get a sick note from the doctor for stress?

Just make an appointment with the doctor and tell them you are at breaking point with stress. Nothing complicated about it. They'll ask to to explain it, you might have to tell them you want to be signed off.

How to take mental health leave from work

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What are 5 signs of work-related stress?

Symptoms of work-related stress
  • fatigue.
  • muscular tension.
  • headaches.
  • heart palpitations.
  • sleeping difficulties, such as insomnia.
  • gastrointestinal upsets, such as diarrhoea or constipation.
  • dermatological disorders.

What to say when calling in sick with stress?

Example: “I've been struggling with my mental health recently, and if I came into the office today, I know I wouldn't be able to provide anything near my usual quality of work. So I'd like to take today off, so I'm at my best when I come back tomorrow. I appreciate your understanding.”

What happens if I get signed off work with stress?

If an employee is signed off work with stress for a period of more than seven consecutive days, including non-working days such as weekends, they will need to provide their employer with proof of work-related stress from a medical professional. This means obtaining a fit note from their GP.

What do you say to a doctor about stress?

State your concerns plainly.

It's important to tell your doctor all of your symptoms. But before you get into that, tell them what you think may be wrong. Use clear statements such as “I think I may be depressed” or “I am having trouble with anxiety.” This will help guide them and let them know what direction to go in.

What are the five causes of stress in the workplace?

There are six main areas that can lead to work-related stress if they are not managed properly. These are: demands, control, support, relationships, role and change.

How do I get my doctor to write me off work?

When seeking a doctor's note for absence from work, the traditional approach involves scheduling a doctor's appointment to discuss your health condition. During the appointment, you can explain the need for the note, and the medical professional will assess your health and provide the necessary documentation.

What are stress symptoms?

Symptoms of stress
  • headaches or dizziness.
  • muscle tension or pain.
  • stomach problems.
  • chest pain or a faster heartbeat.
  • sexual problems.

Can the doctor give me something for stress?

But there are medications that can help reduce or manage some of the signs and symptoms of stress. For example, your doctor might offer to prescribe: Sleeping pills or minor tranquillisers, if you're having trouble sleeping. Antidepressants, if you're experiencing depression or anxiety alongside stress.

Can a doctor write a note for stress?

In order to request stress leave, California workers experiencing stress should go to a doctor and obtain a doctor's note that their stress symptoms are causing mental health issues and they should refrain from work.

What will my doctor do for stress?

Managing stress may require medical assistance.

Your doctor may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (form of talk therapy that helps you challenge and reframe negative thoughts and behaviors), relaxation strategies or prescribe medication to help you with your anxiety.

How do I request time off due to stress?

How to take time off work for stress
  1. Review the company policy. Before you submit a time-off request to your managers, it's essential to understand the employee leave regulations your job enforces. ...
  2. Study your state and federal laws. ...
  3. Consider your options. ...
  4. Get a doctor's note. ...
  5. Meet with a human resources representative.

What are 7 warning signs of stress?

Behavioral Signals - What You Are Doing
  • 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.

How do I get a stress note from my doctor?

Step 2: Get your doctor's note for stress leave
  1. Be open about your symptoms.
  2. Be upfront about your feelings. Don't leave out any details.
  3. Listen to your doctor's advice.
  4. If needed, book follow-up appointments.
  5. Explain your situation clearly and what you feel triggers your predicament.

What not to say to your doctor?

10 Lies You Should Not Tell Your Doctor
  • Yes, I'm taking my medications just like you told me. ...
  • Nope, I'm not taking any prescription drugs or supplements right now. ...
  • I didn't eat or drink anything prior to this surgery. ...
  • I actually don't drink that much alcohol. ...
  • Me, a smoker? ...
  • Oh, I don't do drugs.

How to tell your boss you're struggling mentally?

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.

Can I sue my employer for stress and anxiety?

The key areas of the law that address these issues include: California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): This law prohibits workplace discrimination and harassment. If an employee's stress and anxiety result from illegal harassment or discrimination, they may have grounds for a lawsuit.

Can I quit my job due to stress and anxiety?

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 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.

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 mental health conditions qualify for FMLA?

Chronic conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, or dissociative disorders) that cause occasional periods when an individual is incapacitated and require treatment by a health care provider at least twice a year.