How to Take a Mental Health Leave of Absence — Talkspace

Can You Take a Leave of Absence 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.

– Talkspace therapist Bisma Anwar, LPC, LMHC

Recognizing When It’s Time to Take 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

Familiarize yourself with company policies

Consult a healthcare provider

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

Submit documentation (if needed)

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

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

– 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.

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