Yes, you can quit your job due to stress, especially if it's severely impacting your health, but it's best to plan ahead by exploring stress leave, talking to your doctor, and building a financial safety net if possible, as quitting without a plan can create new challenges. Prioritize your well-being, as no job is worth sacrificing your health, but consider options like medical leave or seeking support before immediately resigning.
Secondly, there is no problem in quitting a job, for any reason at all, but especially mental health. You do not need to explain this to your employer. If you feel it's best for you then do it.
Still, certain warning signs suggest staying could do more harm than good: Persistent stress or anxiety caused by work. Dreading each day or feeling trapped. Declining physical health (headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure)
A stress leave is similar to any medical leave—if mental health issues are impacting your job performance, you have the right to take a sick leave.
How to write a resignation letter due to health and stress
The "42% rule" for burnout suggests dedicating roughly 42% of your day (about 10 hours) to rest and recovery activities like sleep, hobbies, exercise, and socializing to prevent mental and physical exhaustion, countering the "always on" culture that leads to burnout. It's a science-backed guideline emphasizing that sustainable success requires balancing intense work with sufficient downtime for your brain and body to recharge, not just a quick nap.
Symptoms of stress
Symptoms of work-related stress
An employee can take paid sick leave when they can't work because of a personal illness or injury. This can include stress and pregnancy related illnesses.
You can be signed off work with stress for as long as your doctor deems necessary, with initial notes covering short periods (days to weeks) and extensions given as you recover, though prolonged absences (e.g., over 3 months) may trigger employer reviews or impact job protection, depending on local laws and your contract. The key is ongoing medical certification: you self-certify for the first 7 days, then a doctor's fit note is required, outlining fitness and potential workplace adjustments, with extensions issued as needed.
The "3-month rule" in a job refers to the common probationary period where employers assess a new hire's performance, skills, and cultural fit, while the employee learns the role and decides if the job is right for them; it's a crucial time for observation, feedback, and proving value, often with potential limitations on benefits until the period ends. It's also advice for new hires to "hang in there" for three months to get acclimated and evaluate the job before making big decisions.
Signs you are ready to leave your job
You can only be given medication after an initial 3-month period in either of the following situations: You consent to taking the medication. A SOAD confirms that you lack capacity. You haven't given consent, but a SOAD confirms that this treatment is appropriate to be given.
If you feel you are having a nervous breakdown you may:
It's entirely up to you how much you want to disclose - you don't have to "name" your condition but be careful about words like “stress” which can mean many different things and is often misinterpreted. If you have seen your doctor, and have a diagnosis, then let your employer know you are ill.
Request A Medical Certificate
If the doctor determines that stress leave is necessary, they will provide you with a medical certificate. This document serves as official proof for your employer.
Below are some key points to remember when talking to your doctor about stress leave:
Physical signs of stress
Stress is difficult to identify, but it can be caused by excessive workloads or pressure placed on employees. Work-related stress is a reaction to pressure or harassment at work or other working conditions. Employers are responsible for the general safety and wellbeing of their employees while they are at work.
Under federal law, workers with mental health conditions may be protected against discrimination and harassment at work related to their condition, have workplace confidentiality rights, and have a legal right to reasonable accommodations that can help them perform and keep their job.
You may experience symptoms such as:
Physical symptoms include:
If the stress you are suffering is simply too much and affecting your health, you may wish to consider visiting your GP who can sign you off work until you have recovered fully.