If you’ve had a mental breakdown at work—or feel like you’re heading toward one—you’re not alone. The pressures of daily life, long hours, and unresolved mental health struggles can build up until they’re impossible to ignore. But many workers, especially those in physically demanding or high-stress jobs, wonder: Can I be fired for this?
Let’s break it down, legally and emotionally, and talk about how Redeemed Mental Health in Orange County, CA can help you get back on your feet. Our founder, psychologist Dr. Andrea Wagner, has helped hundreds of working-class professionals and union members reclaim their mental health without losing their livelihoods.
Mental Health and the Workplace: Know Your Rights
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers in the United States are required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with qualifying mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This means that if your mental illness affects your ability to perform your job duties, your employer must work with you to find ways to support you—unless doing so would cause “undue hardship.”
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) also protects you from discrimination based on your mental health status. If your condition limits your ability to perform major life activities, it may qualify as a serious health condition under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), giving you the right to take time off without losing your job.
Can You Really Be Fired for a Breakdown?
Legally, you can’t be fired for mental health reasons alone. However, employers can terminate an employee if:
There is a decline in job performance unrelated to a disclosed mental health condition
The individual poses a direct threat to themselves or others and no accommodation can address that
The employee is unable to perform their essential duties, even with accommodations
If you had a mental breakdown at work, and it was severe enough to interfere with your performance, your employer should first discuss accommodations or recommend a medical leave before considering termination. Sadly, many workers—especially in labor-heavy roles—don’t realize they have legal rights and may walk away from a job before understanding their options.
What If I Was Never Given the Chance?
If your employer let you go without discussing mental health accommodations, asking about your condition, or giving you time to recover, you may have grounds to file a claim under the Americans with Disabilities Act or FMLA. Many workers also qualify for outpatient treatment, therapy appointments, or Virtual IOP programs (Intensive Outpatient Programs) without needing to leave their job.
At Redeemed Mental Health, we’ve seen how many people feel unsupported at work during their lowest moments. That’s why we offer confidential, in-person outpatient programs, as well as online therapy and Virtual IOP treatment that fits into your schedule—even if you’re working a full-time job or on leave.
What Are My Next Steps?
If you’re worried about being fired for mental health issues or already have been, here’s what you can do:
Talk to a licensed mental health professional about your symptoms
Keep documentation of your condition and how it impacts your job duties
Ask your employer about your rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Consider asking for reasonable accommodations such as a modified schedule, reduced workload, or therapy time
You don’t have to go through this alone—and you don’t have to choose between your job and your mental health.
Redeemed Mental Health Can Help
We know the stress that comes with trying to keep it together at work while you’re falling apart inside. At Redeemed Mental Health, we offer flexible, confidential in-person outpatient programs, as well as Virtual Therapy and Virtual IOP programs so you can get the care you need—without stepping away from your responsibilities. We work with many insurance providers and understand how to navigate both treatment and employment-related concerns.
Call (888) 276-4435 today so we can help you get started on the road to healing—without risking your livelihood.
FAQs About Mental Health in the Workplace
What qualifies as a mental health disorder in the workplace?
A mental health disorder is any diagnosed condition that affects a person’s thinking, emotional state, or behavior. Common examples include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. These can qualify for protection under employment laws when they substantially limit major life activities or job performance.
Can I be fired for a mental impairment?
Employers cannot legally fire someone just for having a mental impairment. If the impairment affects your ability to do your job, your employer is required by the ADA to explore reasonable accommodations before considering termination.
Do employment laws cover other mental health conditions besides depression or anxiety?
Yes. Other mental health conditions, such as OCD, schizophrenia, and trauma-related disorders, may also be protected under federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), depending on how they impact your work and daily life.
What laws or agency policies protect workers with mental health disorders?
Key protections come from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These law or agency policies ensure that employees with qualifying mental health disorders cannot be fired or discriminated against based on their condition.
Can a treatment center help me return to work after a mental health crisis?
Yes. A licensed treatment center like Redeemed Mental Health can provide support through in-person outpatient programs, therapy, and Virtual IOP programs. These services not only help stabilize your mental health but also assist with building coping skills to successfully reintegrate into the workplace.
