FMLA for Stress/Mental Health

[BunnyBunnyBSNRN, ASN, BSN]

Has anyone attempted to get FMLA for mental health reasons?  I have an appointment with my doctor next Friday and am hoping he agrees that I need some time off, but I'm not sure if he will.

Aside from the past couple of years COVID stress, my mother died last March and my father moved in with us, and I just have other life stuff that is weighing on me.

I'm in Texas, so I don't know if this is something, if granted, I would need to report to the board of nursing, and, if so, how that would affect my licensing.  

Any thoughts, insight, or support would be welcomed.

[Davey Do]

Allow me to express empathy for your loss and other major stressors in your life,  BunnyBunny.

I have very little firsthand empirical knowledge to share, however, it seems as though a psychiatric consultation and diagnosis may need to be obtained in this situation. After I was stabbed by a patient back in '98, I received a formal diagnosis of PTSD.

I didn't use it any further than to acknowledge to my employer that I actually was suffering from a mental health issue. But it was comforting to me that I had a point of reference from which to work. I did so, sought services from an art therapist, and that was a life-changing event.

I wish you the very best in your endeavors.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

I can't imagine that you would not be able to get FMLA for that. I work with a nurse that has had many issues with anxiety/depression; I believe she is probably on the spectrum as well. She has had major meltdowns and I have even helped her find a therapist. 

I know there are days that she has to leave work early if it is especially stressful and she has called out after a "bad" day. 

Covid was really, really hard on her. Her family lives far away except for a sibling that is very un-empathetic towards her. 

Obviously, you would need documentation from a provider and have employee health approve it. 

I use intermittent FMLA for my 2 type 1 kids if they have issues. Have not had to use much, but it is there if I need it.

Hope you can get the help/support you need. 

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I once took three weeks of FMLA due to mental health issues. I had no difficulty getting it. The only sticking point was I had to disclose my diagnosis, and that was awkward because bipolar disorder is still stigmatized, although not as much as it used to be. Unfortunately, three weeks weren’t enough and I fell apart again within hours of stepping inside my workplace. I was sent home, and then let go two days later. But that’s a story for another post; the take-home lesson here is, don’t hesitate to ask for FMLA because your situation is what it’s there for. Best of luck to you.

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

What you need to provide or prove depends on your state, and your employer's leave administrator. You would need generally to see a mental health provider and also think about what you're going to do with your time off, and what has to change to enable you to go back. For example, if you are seeking intensive outpatient counseling, or suffering concentration problems at work, those could be legitimate reasons that you can't work. You would need a diagnosis from a physician/provider though usually. 

I hope things get easier for you. Try journaling to start with, and look into mindfulness for stress reduction. 

[klone, MSN, RN]

Yes, you absolutely can get FMLA, both continuous and intermittent, for mental health reasons. One of my nurses has it for that reason.