Requesting mental health sick leave is no different to being signed off work for any other type of medical condition. If you are wondering if it’s acceptable to call in sick for mental health conditions such as anxiety, stress, or depression, be reassured that you are entitled to do so.
Your mental health is no different to any other type of illness, and it should be treated as such by your employer.
Our guide will look at your right to sick leave for mental health, how to get signed off work, and what to say to your employer when calling in sick.
We’ll also highlight what you can do when off sick with stress, anxiety, or depression, and help with information on a successful return to work.
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Can I Call in Sick For Mental Health?
Your mental health is just as serious as a physical health condition. It’s perfectly acceptable to call in sick for this reason.
Whilst it can be a difficult conversation to have with your workplace, they should be supportive of your illness and do all they can to aid your recovery. Taking time off for mental health should not be seen in a negative light.
See Also: Good Reasons to Call Out Sick – Mental health is one of many good reasons to need time off work.
How to Call in Sick For Mental Health – What to Say
If you need to call in sick for mental health reasons, it can be hard to know what to say or how to approach your manager.
If you are suffering from stress or anxiety, it can feel overwhelming. However, do make sure you follow all your company policies for taking time off sick.
Here are a couple of ways to explain the reason for needing time off when calling your workplace.
Keeping it brief and to the point is best:-
- I have been struggling with my mental health, and I’m not well enough to come to work today.
- I’m not well enough to come to the office today. I am going to take a day off to recover, and will keep in touch about returning to work.
If you don’t feel up to a phone call, or would struggle to remain calm you might consider sending an email.
If your workplace sick policy requires you to phone in, you could still send an email explaining your situation. This could then be followed up with a brief phone call, saying you can’t come in but have sent an email to explain.
If you don’t feel able to discuss taking time off for mental health as your reason to stay off work, you could say you have a migraine or tummy bug. However, once you are feeling well you should consider discussing your health with your workplace so they can support you.
Our more general guide has lots of tips on how to navigate calling in sick to work.
Sick Notes & Self Certification
It’s straightforward to get sick notes for mental health conditions. Although you may not consider yourself ill, a mental health condition is an acceptable reason to be signed off work.
You don’t to go to the doctor immediately to get signed off work with stress, depression, or other mental health conditions. You can self certify for the first few days.
How to Self Certify for Mental Health
Self certifying for mental health is a simple process. For the first 7 days of any illness you can self certify your reason for taking time off without needing a doctors note.
Usually, you fill in form SC2 upon your return to work. Usually your employer will provide you with a form, but you can also find the form on the UK Gov website.
Our guide on how long you can self certify for, and when you will need a sick note has detailed information on the process.
How to Get a Sick Note for Mental Health Leave
If you need to take a longer period than 7 days of mental health leave, you can get a sick note from your doctor.
All you have to do is call your GP surgery and ask for an appointment. Explain to your GP how your mental health has been affecting you. If they agree that your condition will leave you unfit for work, they will issue you with a sick note.
Sometimes you will be able to have a consult over the phone. The process to get a sick note is straightforward. If you have never discussed your mental health with your GP before, it may feel a little daunting. However, it is a good opportunity to seek some additional support.
Our guide on getting signed off with stress has lots of tips on how to cope with the process, and some examples of how to have the conversation.
Mental Health Sick Pay Entitlements
As a minimum, you will be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you take time off for mental health.
However, this type of sick pay is only payable from the 4th day off work. SSP rates are set at £99.35 a week. This means the first 3 days off will be unpaid sick leave. These days are known as SSP waiting days or qualifying days.
Your employer may offer enhanced sick leave, check your contract of employment to see what you are entitled to.
Disclosing Health Issues to Your Employer
It can be difficult making the decision to reach out and ask for support for poor mental health from your employer. Workplaces should be sympathetic and supportive and most employers will want to help you.
If you feel able, you could ask your manager to have a chat when you are feeling well. Not everyone has an understanding manager, but if you are able to talk with them before you need to take time off, it may make calling in sick less daunting.
You can start the conversation by saying something like “I need to discuss something personal with you, can we take some time for a chat?”
Medical Confidentiality at Work
Remember that you have the right to medical confidentiality at work. Your manager cannot disclose your medical information to your co-workers.
Letting your employer know that you are having issues with your health can give you additional employment rights and protections. Mental health is considered a disability if it has a long te
What Are You Allowed to Do When Off Sick?
If you’re off sick with stress or other mental health issues, there’s no need to confine yourself to the house.
In many cases, being out and doing normal things such as visiting the shops or going out to lunch can support recovery. Similarly, there should be no reason why you are not able to go on a holiday whilst off sick for this reason.
Further Reading
- If you are off with poor mental health, our guide looks at if work can contact you when off sick with stress or depression.
- What can you do when off sick?
- Can you go on holiday when signed off sick?
FAQs
Can you get sick pay for mental health?
You are eligible for sick pay for mental health issues. If you need time off work for this reason, it should be treated in the same way as any other illness.
