Calling in sick because of depression can be a stressful experience, filled with uncertainty about what to say. Prioritizing your mental health is a valid decision, and navigating the conversation with your employer requires thought. A primary concern is communicating your need for a day off without facing stigma or harming your professional standing. Understanding your options can help you handle the situation with confidence.
Deciding What to Disclose
The first step is to determine how much information you feel comfortable sharing with your employer, as this is a personal choice. Disclosing that you are struggling with depression can be a positive step. It can help foster a more open and supportive culture and is often a necessary step to accessing formal workplace accommodations.
Conversely, there are potential risks to being specific. Mental health stigma still exists in many workplaces, and you could face misunderstanding or discrimination. Because of this, you may choose to be vague, simply stating that you are unwell. You are not obligated to provide your employer with a detailed diagnosis for a single sick day.
Knowing Your Rights
Understanding your legal protections is an important part of making an informed decision. In the United States, two significant laws apply: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The ADA protects qualified employees with disabilities, including diagnosed depression, from workplace discrimination. It also requires employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” to help you perform your job.
The FMLA provides eligible employees with the right to take job-protected, unpaid leave for a “serious health condition” that makes you unable to perform your job, which may cover severe depression. To access protections under either the ADA or FMLA, you will likely need to disclose your condition to your employer, often with supporting documentation. These laws provide a safety net, ensuring you can care for your health without fearing for your job.
How to Communicate Your Absence
When it comes time to contact your boss, how you phrase your request will depend on the level of disclosure you’ve chosen. The communication should be professional and concise. Following your company’s established procedure for reporting an absence is the best practice.
The Vague Approach
If you prefer not to disclose your depression, a simple and direct statement is effective. The goal is to convey that you are unable to work without inviting further questions. You are not required to provide details, and a general statement is often sufficient.
A simple script might be: “I am not feeling well today and will need to use a sick day. I will keep you updated on my return.” This approach is professional, protects your privacy, and fulfills your obligation to inform your employer of your absence.
The Direct Approach
If you are comfortable being more open, you can acknowledge that you are dealing with a health issue without using the word “depression.” This can be a middle ground, offering some context without revealing your specific diagnosis. This approach is useful if you anticipate needing more than one day off.
You could say something like: “I need to take a sick day today to manage a health condition. I expect to be back tomorrow and will let you know if that changes.” For those in a supportive environment, being even more direct by stating you need the day for your mental health is also an option.
Sample Email Template
Subject: Absence Today – [Your Name]
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to inform you that I will be unable to come to work today as I am not feeling well. I will need to use a sick day to rest and recover.
I will be offline for the day but will check my email periodically for anything urgent. I anticipate being back in the office tomorrow.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best,
[Your Name]
Preparing for Your Boss’s Response
After you have sent the message, prepare for potential follow-up questions. Your manager may ask what is wrong out of concern or habit. Having a prepared response allows you to maintain your privacy without being caught off guard.
If your boss asks for more details, you can politely deflect the question. A simple and effective response is, “I’d prefer to keep the details private, but I will let you know if I need to be out for more than just today.” This phrase sets a professional boundary while reassuring your manager.
Planning for Long-Term Support at Work
If you find that you frequently need to take time off to manage your depression, it may be beneficial to consider long-term support options. Recurring issues may signal a need for more structured support in the workplace beyond single-day absences.
This is where the protections of the ADA and FMLA become useful. You might formally request reasonable accommodations under the ADA, such as a more flexible schedule or a quieter workspace. If you need an extended period to focus on your health, applying for a leave of absence under the FMLA could be the next step. These formal processes often begin with a conversation with your human resources department.