Has anyone ever taken FMLA due to job stress?

53 Comments

1. AnonymousFebruary 6,2023 at 4:20PM UTC

   The way to go is Disability. Talk to a professional in the psychology field and if they deem it is warranted, they will put you on disability. I am sure the process is more complicated, i.e. meetings and tests and questionnaires. It was for me and it was a God-send.

2. KerrieFebruary 6,2023 at 5:56PM UTC

   A mental health professional doesn't have the authority to "put you on disability." At best, they can make a recommendation. Disability determination is typically a lengthy process that almost always denies your initial application. I see these cases all the time working in the behavioral health field. Your chances of winning the lottery are better than winning a disability claim due to work related stress.

3. AnonymousFebruary 6,2023 at 4:48PM UTC

   A friend did this because she was put on a PIP (a performance improvement plan). She was let go anyway, because a PIP in most cases is basically a warning to start looking for another job before your current one lets you go. If you are so stressed at your job that you want to take FMLA, you should probably be looking for a new job, if you aren't already.

4. KerrieFebruary 6,2023 at 5:31PM UTC

   I would request the leave citing mental health reasons, you do not have to disclose the specifics to your employer.

5. AnonymousFebruary 6,2023 at 6:35PM UTC

   FMLA never ends well. Especially when a prospective employer asks if you ever filed for FMLA.

6. Peace OutFebruary 6,2023 at 8:11PM UTC

   I'm curious to hear the background behind your comment. What do you mean "FMLA never ends well" and further, I have never had a prospective employer ask about FMLA usage, nor have I asked any potential candidates.

7. Kim RaperFebruary 8,2023 at 1:25PM UTC

   Agreed - i would think that strays into inappropriate areas of questioning since it is medical related and a person does not have to disclose anything that personal and private.

8. Ashley ZFebruary 8,2023 at 1:48PM UTC

   I could be wrong but I feel that's completely illegal to ask about due to discrimination laws.

9. AnonymousFebruary 6,2023 at 9:46PM UTC

   I have filed for FMLA due to illness (which was caused by stress). It was intermittent FMLA, I never used it but it was nice to have. I never told my employer anything about my illness though looked for a new job that fit my needs and family needs better. Found it and put in notice and moved on.

10. AnonymousFebruary 6,2023 at 10:38PM UTC

    If you qualify for it at your current position and feel you need it then take advantage to take care of yourself.

11. Tiffani JonesFebruary 7,2023 at 7:55AM UTC

    I didn’t take it, but I was a manager, and someone on my team did. Also, a fellow Team Leader used FMLA for stress. Both people also met with therapists as part of the process. The consensus from the two of them was that the therapy and the leave itself were effective at alleviating stress. They both agreed the job was still just as stressful when they got back. My team member really appreciated the time to reset and refocus, but ultimately that role was just too fast-paced for her, and she switched departments.

12. Beth AustinFebruary 8,2023 at 1:12PM UTC

    I had a conversation with my doctor about taking a leave due to stress. She was very frank and said unless I had a plan in place to address the cause of stress and look to alleviate it, a leave would only be a vacation. I took steps outside of the leave but did take a few vacation days during that time to specifically work with a therapist and develop a better self care plan for me.

13. Cindy SFebruary 8,2023 at 1:12PM UTC

    Great question!!

14. AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 1:15PM UTC

    Yes, I took FMLA because my therapist completed the paperwork. I elected to use all of my PTO. I chose not to return, but that’s because I knew nothing was going to change. I used the time to de-stress and prepare for new endeavors.

15. AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 1:18PM UTC

    Three years ago, I took roughly three months off to deal with my mental and physical health. It was the best thing I could have done for myself. It was fully supported by my doctor, who actually recommended it, and by my management team. I was left completely alone by work and given the time I needed to focus on myself and feel better. I eased into my return by coming back part-time for a month and then returning to full work.

    I work in a fast-paced communications role, and it was very helpful that I could step back in slowly. My job remained the same upon my return, though I took on a new position shortly thereafter having recognized that my current role - of eight years - was a contributing factor to my mental health state.

    As I said, it was the best thing I could do for myself. If you feel you need it, DO IT.

16. AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 8:51PM UTC

    Glad to hear you are doing better. I’m in a similar situation. Is it best to apply for FMLA or disability? I’m in the process of scheduling appt with a licensed psychiatric. I usually see someone through EAP but now I’m nervous because I’m not sure if they are more supportive of the company.

17. AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 1:26PM UTC

    I actually used Short Term Disability for a month. I was dealing with mental health, burnout, and excessive fatigue. My doctor filled out my paperwork to help approve it along with getting me scheduled for a sleep study at the end of the period. When I came back to the office I actually had an interview lined up that I had applied for before my short term disability and I actually got the new position. The new position (along with higher pay of course) has allowed me a lot more autonomy and satisfying work. It was initially a lot more stressful in the beginning but the rest period brought me back ready for it. This choice I was initially worried about has really turned my career path around for the better.

18. AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 1:29PM UTC

    I absolutely recommend it to take care of you and your mental health. Just be warned: my employer retaliated against me because I took the leave (I was the only person left in the department and they failed to adequately staff). I was denied a promotion and they eventually fired me for "performance", yet offered me severance. I have an attorney and am currently going through the legal process. Just know that some employers out there are really shady and will pull stuff like this. Hopefully yours isn't and is supportive of your need for time off. Make sure everything is documented properly and you should be ok. Good luck!

19. AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 1:35PM UTC

    On a side note, if your leave is related to mental health and you see a Psychiatrist for therapy, and you’re filing disability leave, ensure you also supplement with a licensed psychologist. The disability claim can get rejected without full treatment, not one or the other will work. A very difficult challenge to overturn.

20. AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 1:36PM UTC

    I have taken sick leave. If you need longer than your sick leave. It can fall under short term disability. I have never thought about if it could fall under worker’s compensation or not.

21. AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 1:46PM UTC

    At a particularly nasty workplace, one of my coworkers did - she saw her GP, a psychiatrist, got the required verification for disability, and used the time to find another job. In retrospect, that is what the rest of us should have done. Toughing it out while job hunting was exhausting and ugly. Once the organization realized that people knew what was going on, it became worse for those hanging on.

22. AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 1:59PM UTC

    I took FMLA for anxiety and OCD exacerbated by a bully boss. They tried firing me when I returned (which is not OK since FMLA generally guarantees a job when you return but I was able to use their idiocy to leverage a severance in exchange for me not suing). It felt awful when it but happened but I'm glad I'm not there anymore. The time off (and being in therapy) made me realize how unhealthy that environment was for my mental health.

23. AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 2:00PM UTC

    I just did this due to chronic stress and burnout. Focusing on my mental health for 3 months was the best thing I could have done for myself. My company/boss was supportive and left me alone during the leave period, and I returned back to work part-time for a month to ease back in. I now feel refreshed and good about the work I'm doing again. I'd recommend working with your PCP and a psychiatrist to complete the required medical certification and set a treatment plan in order for your company to approve the time off. Also, start with 4-weeks and continue to submit updates/extension requests until you are well enough to return. There are also mental health programs you can look into to help you recover (depending on your needs you could look into partial-hospitalization or outpatient programs in your area). I hope you get the relief you need.

24. Samantha ThompsonFebruary 8,2023 at 2:01PM UTC

    I have taken FMLA/short term disability, not exactly because of stress, but because of major depression and anxiety which was/is elevated by work. When I started back I returned on a reduced hourly schedule which definitely helped keep my stress levels down. It may depend on what state you're in (and also your company's policy/compassion level), but having the doctor who's been managing your treatment while you were out writing a note to maybe limit your hours at first (I know that could be a struggle financially and may not even help with your stress levels) but speaking to whoever is helping you manage and determining the best course of action with them is the way to go.

25. Tahirah WineglassFebruary 8,2023 at 2:13PM UTC

    Yes I have, both when I was a civilian & when I was a corrections officer. It helped in both cases. It’s important to take a mental health break when you can afford to

26. AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 2:42PM UTC

    I’m currently in this situation. I spent a week in a mental health facility caused by major depression and stress. I have had many life changes recently and this was compounded by a very stressful job with poor training and an unsupportive supervisor. I’m currently on a 4 week leave which may or may not be extended. Never be afraid to reach out for help when you are not feeling your best. I do work for a great company with good benefits and I hope to continue there upon my return but hopefully under a different umbrella.

27. Sunny DaysFebruary 8,2023 at 3:36PM UTC

    Ikr

28. Sunny DaysFebruary 8,2023 at 3:36PM UTC

    I was in the process of starting it because I received information about a high level crime on the job. The supervisor I reported it to didn't handle it correctly and got in trouble. The harrasment that followed ended up being too much and I couldn't function enough to finish submitting the paper work. The HR rep actually told me I should watch The Girl on The Train. I ended up not doing the leave and ended up exiting the organization with a generous severance package.

29. AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 3:42PM UTC

    Yes, I have! My doctor wanted to give me 6 weeks off, but I just did intermittent and took off every Friday. They were pissed but couldn't use it as part of my evaluations.

30. ReneeFebruary 9,2023 at 9:59PM UTC

    Interesting! Who can approved intermittent?

31. AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 3:48PM UTC

    I took a brief leave due to job stress many years ago. It was just what I needed at a time when I wasn't sure if I should stay or quit.

    I received the mental health care I needed and it did not interfere with my job. I was welcomed back with out any repercussions. The one thing I remember being odd is a coworker at the time (who later became my manager) shared my time off issue with someone that later became a coworker in my department. After hearing that I didn't trust my manager although we worked well together until I later moved on to another position.

    Please do not neglect your health. Take time off if you need to. Work with HR to determine your plan of action and follow it.

32. AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 4:07PM UTC

    Yes. I took off 8 weeks FMLA (using disability insurance for pay as it was approved by my psychiatrist as a medical necessity). This was longer than any of my maternity leaves, btw... I spent the time just existing to recover from burnout and reevaluate my role in becoming burnt out. I came back with better boundaries and negotiated a lighter workload (I was previously doing the work of 3 people while others with lighter workloads were being given direct reports to support them and/or being promoted over me). There were no repercussions when I returned but I likely missed my opportunity to get promoted before this looming recession started to make everyone tighten their belts. I don't regret it, in spite of that. I highly recommend it if you feel it will be even remotely useful.

33. Rita EliasFebruary 8,2023 at 4:39PM UTC

    Yes I did and got fired my first day back. It was a common practice at that company to fire staff returning from FMLA.

34. ReneeFebruary 9,2023 at 9:57PM UTC

    Were you able to collect unemployment?

35. Sydney HeraldFebruary 8,2023 at 4:46PM UTC

    I did, left for several weeks cuz I was struggling. Got my psychiatrist to sign off on it. Nothing actively negative happened when I came back, but there was some snark from coworkers and I obviously didn't meet metric goals. My direct manager told me not to worry about it but upper management was disgruntled about it.

36. ReneeFebruary 9,2023 at 9:57PM UTC

    Hello, were you able to file a claim to collect disability?

37. AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 4:51PM UTC

    I did for a few weeks as I was experiencing a lot of disruption to my home life during that time. When i came back, people wanted to know what happened (close knit culture) and my boss spread a rumor that I get overwhelmed easily across the company. Idk if I could go thru that again.

38. AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 8:08PM UTC

    Ugh, this is why people are afraid to use time off or EAP (Employee Assistance). You have to worry that their bosses or colleagues will use it against them. This is why people quit, it's easier on your reputation than taking time off to heal. Sorry this happened to you!

39. AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 6:18PM UTC

    If you need it take it, mental health is the most important thing in taking care of ones self. You need it take it! When you return if people ask tell them you had some personal issues you needed to attend to with family. Nothing more.

40. AnonymousFebruary 8,2023 at 9:38PM UTC

    wow it is like the universe was reading my mind. Can I ask how you all went about getting this time off? I was recently thinking that I really need a mental break; my productivity has been low; I've been stressed and depressed.

41. cliffFebruary 8,2023 at 10:39PM UTC

    you are entitled to 12 weels of Family Medical Leave per year, you do not need to take all 12 weeks at once.   If a worker exhausts all their FMLA leave, are you (employer) obligated to grant additional time under the ADA? ANSWER: YES (Sharon and the HR Morning Team MORNING WEBSITE)

        “One company thought it was well within its rights to terminate an employee after she used her 12 weeks under FMLA and demanded another 3 months of medical leave before she'd return to work. But a court in Florida disagreed and the company was ordered to pay damages. The court ruled that despite what a company's policy says, additional leave under the ADA must be considered when a disabled employee exhausts his or her FMLA time and still needs additional time off to recover.

    So the court looked at whether the three additional months of leave Mina requested would've caused undue economic hardship on the company.

    The determination: The Company was used to high turnover rates, so it could've reasonable accommodated Mina by keeping her on a reserve roster until she recovered.)

    Analysis: ADA leave must be considered as well.

        “Policies that automatically terminate employees for not returning to work after exhausting their 12 weeks of FMLA leave - without taking ADA leave into consideration - are being shot down left and right in courts.

    Bottom line: Leave policies must leave room for the ADA accommodation process - even if it means employees get to take more than the 12 weeks allowed under FMLA.

42. KellyW43February 9,2023 at 3:29AM UTC

    My daughter did and she ended up not going back. Do what you have to do.

43. Anne Marie HFebruary 9,2023 at 1:56PM UTC

    I guess I don't understand why you wouldn't have gone on disability 1st, as the stress at work produced SUCH debilitating anxiety that you were unable to work. I am not F MLA savvy, so my question is genuine, I really don't know why you didn't go out on disability and receive disability benefits. I understand the stress was from work, but I don't think that falls under worker's compensation. I believe the hostile work environment caused your stress, and stress can cause debilitating anxiety... the "debilitating" part is what makes me think you could/should have been told by HR about filing a claim with your company's disability insurance carrier.

44. ReneeFebruary 9,2023 at 9:51PM UTC

    Hello, who are you replying to? I am just trying to follow because I am actually thinking about doing this and filing a claim due to anxiety and possibly post pardum.

45. AnonymousFebruary 9,2023 at 11:16PM UTC

    Disability insurance guarantees your pay. FMLA guarantees coming back to a job. FMLA can be unpaid as short and long term disability are not required by law in most states. Most employers offer disabilty insurance as a benefit. Some states do require it though so check your state. FMLA is mandated by federal law (assuming the employee meets the requirements).

46. Nancy LeonardFebruary 9,2023 at 6:46PM UTC

    I did. I was so stressed and had horrible anxiety, that I took FMLA to get help for myself. When I was ready to come back, my boss didn't reply to my e-mail for 24 hours. He forgets that I have access to his emails and can see that he freaked out to the Administrator and Vice Chair. I was so upset, I had worked for him for 21 years, I quit. It was the best thing I could do, it was time for a change. Good luck!

47. AnonymousFebruary 9,2023 at 6:56PM UTC

    Yes, i was burned out..2020.. I wish i took more time and never went back. Nothing changed and I ended up quitting by end of year.

48. ReneeFebruary 9,2023 at 9:50PM UTC

    I am thinking of taking this in NYC. Can anyone please share the approval process in NYC. I am a new mom and am burned out.

49. AnonymousFebruary 10,2023 at 2:28AM UTC

    IMO...work shouldn't have to hurt so much. What are we, a bunch of animals? Well...some of us are, you know, replete with tricks and games. So exhausting...I have had my share. IF... I had the means, I would rally alongside the organizations that are lobbying for bills that would support psychological safety in the workplace. All of this nonsense...takes away from the work at hand. It's all so ridiculous. Bullies have run rampant, and they oughta be stripped of their ability to do so. Enough is enough...don't you think?

50. cliffFebruary 10,2023 at 7:12PM UTC

    if you have the energy to look deeper and look very close you will discover that SOME bad managers have NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder) its considered a mental disorder. To understand NPD and to recover from abuse check out: https://survivingnarcissism.tv/about-surviving-narcissism/about-dr-les-carter/ support http://workplacepsychologicalsafetyact.org/

51. AnonymousFebruary 10,2023 at 4:36AM UTC

    I did a few years ago! I had a terrible internal "client" that was making my life a living hell among many other difficult personal life events. I was going to quit because I didn't know FMLA was an option. Luckily my husband had a friend who was in HR is a different department at my company, he reached out to her about options other than quitting (it wasn't really financially viable for me to quit but it wasn't healthy for me to stay either). My husband's friend walked me through the FMLA paperwork, my GP signed off on 4 weeks. I saw a therapist 2x a week and did a lot of self care. After those 4 weeks I came back and gave my 2 weeks notice--the time I took allowed me to realize that no job is worth that kind of stress. I quit and was able to find a new job in 4 weeks that paid better, is more stimulating, and is with the most wonderful team of people on earth.

52. Anne Marie HFebruary 10,2023 at 7:36PM UTC

    I am sooo happy for you!!!

53. AnonymousFebruary 12,2023 at 12:44PM UTC

    I wish I would’ve known this years ago. When I couldn’t take it anymore I gave in my 2 weeks without having another job lined up. I just wanted out of there quietly asap so I resigned. Had I known I would’ve gladly taken FMLA. Does the employee have to pay you when you take FMLA or is it unpaid leave?