Can I Quit My Job for Mental Health Reasons?
In today’s fast-paced world, more and more Canadians are dealing with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. These conditions can make it much more challenging to work effectively and efficiently.
Some people facing mental health challenges may think about quitting their jobs to reduce their stress and focus on getting better. Understand all of your financial assistance options before making a decision.
If you’re wondering, “Can I Quit My Job for Mental Health Reasons?” our disability lawyers can help answer that question.
Can I Quit My Job for Mental Health Reasons?
The short answer is that yes, you can, but you probably shouldn’t. Both short and long term disability offer ways for you to take time for self-care without completely cutting off your income.
Over the past 35 years, Share Lawyers has witnessed firsthand how difficult it is to continue working when experiencing mental health issues. Here are examples of the type of conditions that can negatively impact a person’s ability to work.
Condition | How it Affects Your Ability to Work |
Depression | Persistent feelings of sadness, having low energy, and struggling to focus can make it hard to do your job. Depression can make you less motivated, less productive, and less involved at work. |
Anxiety Disorders | Conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or social anxiety can cause a lot of extra worrying, feeling restless, and struggling to handle stress. These factors can get in the way of making decisions, communicating, and completing your work on time. |
Bipolar Disorder | People with bipolar disorder experience severe mood swings, ranging from being impulsive and overly energetic to feeling hopeless and exhausted. The unpredictability of these mood changes can make it challenging to maintain steady job performance. |
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | People who've been through trauma might develop PTSD, which comes with intrusive memories, nightmares, feeling on edge, and avoiding reminders of the trauma. These symptoms can significantly impact concentration, emotional stability, and the ability to work in environments that may trigger trauma-related responses. |
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) | OCD often involves uncontrollable thoughts and repetitive behaviours. The need to perform certain rituals or avoid specific triggers can disrupt your workflow and make it challenging to concentrate on your job duties. |
Benefits of Short Term and Long Term Disability Benefits
Instead of quitting outright, individuals struggling with mental health issues should apply for short term disability benefits. If the problems persist, then apply for long term disability benefits. These benefits can provide much-needed financial support while allowing individuals to prioritize their mental well-being. Here are some key advantages:
- Income Continuity: When you apply for short term or long term disability benefits, you can get part of your salary for a little while, which helps when you need time off work to get better. This way, you can have a steady income during a crucial recovery period, reducing the financial stress of not working.
- Access to Treatment: Short term disability benefits allow people to pay for essential therapy, medications, and mental health treatments. This financial assistance lets individuals focus on their well-being without the added stress of financial worries.
- Long Term Stability: If mental health issues continue even after the short term disability period, long-term disability benefits can keep providing financial support until you're ready to go back to work or reach retirement age.
Get Professional Assistance From Share Lawyers
Seek professional help for complex disability benefit applications to improve your chances of success. Consult healthcare providers, mental health experts, and disability lawyers to ensure proper documentation submission when denied despite being too ill to work.
If you’re asking yourself: “Can I quit my job for mental health reasons?” know that this is a question many individuals with mental health challenges may ask themselves. Explore alternatives before making a drastic decision.
Applying for disability benefits can offer financial support for prioritizing mental well-being and maintaining stability. Seek professional guidance and support to navigate the process effectively and focus on your journey to recovery. Remember, mental health is a priority, and resources are available to assist you.
Still asking, “Can I quit my job for mental health reasons?”
Contact Share Lawyers today and put our experience to work for you. Our 35+ years of experience can help you win your case against Canada Life, Desjardins, Manulife, RBC Insurance, Sun Life, and other insurance companies. Our legal team offers a free consultation and works on a contingency basis - there are no fees unless you win your case.
