Stress is now an unavoidable part of our daily lives. We stress about studies, exams, finances, work, deadlines, etc. Here in this blog, I will discuss specifically about mental health at work.

Forbes article says that managers have more impact on the mental health of the employees than therapists for more than 70% of the people.  To protect the mental health of the employees, DOL has made it compulsory for employers to include the Mental Health Parity And Addiction Equity Act, and even compensation if the employee’s mental health is affected.

If you are stressed out at work and consider quitting, then yes, you can leave your job if it is affecting your mental well-being. 

Recognizing the Impact of Stress on Health

The effects of stress extend beyond feelings of being overwhelmed; they can also affect physical and mental health. There are lots of health problems linked to chronic stress, like anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, and weakened immunity. Additionally, excessive stress can hurt your brain, decrease your productivity, and strain your relationships.

Understanding Workplace Stress

Many factors contribute to workplace stress, such as heavy workloads, tight deadlines, conflicts with colleagues or supervisors, and a lack of control over one’s work environment. Stress can also be exacerbated by long hours, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of work-life balance.

Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. This means reducing workplace stressors and addressing issues that might cause excessive stress among employees. Yet, many employees still feel overwhelmed by work stress despite these obligations. And the reason for this is that employers might not be taking it seriously.

So, what can you do in this situation? You can resign from your job and start searching for another opportunity. If you feel comfortable taking a week or month off for mental peace and therapy, I say go for it. But, if you can’t afford to take a gap then you can start finding better opportunities.

Your Rights Under the Law

It depends on various factors, such as your specific situation, the severity of the stress, applicable employment laws, and whether you can leave work due to stress. If you think that you’ve tried your best to make management notice that things are stressing you out, and you have enough evidence for that, then you can leave. However, if you do not feel that leaving a job is the best option, you can use your paid leave to take care of your mental health. Here are a few laws that you should be aware of:

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Under DOL the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has new guidelines for mental health, eligible employees may take unpaid, job-protected leaves for family and medical reasons, including serious health conditions that make it difficult to perform essential job functions. If stress is accompanied by a more serious medical condition, such as anxiety or depression, then it may qualify as a serious health condition under FMLA.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

As part of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with disabilities. Under the ADA, stress alone may not qualify as a disability, but severe stress-related conditions that substantially limit major life activities may qualify.

Seeking Professional Help

If you’re struggling with stress-related issues, make sure you prioritize your own well-being by getting professional help. You might need the help of a mental health professional, like a therapist or counselor, who can offer guidance, support, and coping strategies.

Conclusion

Stress is inevitable, but recognizing when it becomes overwhelming affects your ability to function at work is key. There are times when you may need to leave work due to stress, but it’s important to know your rights under the law and explore other options, like getting accommodations or support from your boss. If the stress due to work has caused extreme damage then you can even ask for worker’s compensation, however, check your internal and state policies. Make sure you take care of your mental and physical well-being and advocate for yourself so you can reduce workplace stress and create a healthier, more sustainable work environment.