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Can You Take Sick Leave for Mental Health?

Your mental health can affect your ability to work just as physical illness can. If stress, anxiety, depression or another mental health issue is getting in the way, sick leave may be relevant, depending on your circumstances.

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Jump to: Is it a valid reason · What can affect work · Medical certificate · Support · FAQs

Can you take sick leave for mental health?

Yes, mental health can be a legitimate reason for taking sick leave. Personal leave is generally available when you're unable to work because of your own illness or injury, and mental health issues such as stress, anxiety or depression can be relevant to that.

That doesn't mean every period of stress requires time off, or that having a mental health condition automatically means someone is unfit for work. It comes down to how much it's affecting your ability to do your job, along with your own circumstances.

Employment arrangements and workplace requirements can vary, so what applies to you may depend on your award, agreement or employment contract.

What kinds of mental health issues can affect work?

Mental health can affect people's ability to work in different ways, including:

  • Significant stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Disrupted sleep
  • Emotional distress

Experiencing one of these on its own doesn't automatically mean you need time off work. It's the impact on your day to day ability to do your job, and your own circumstances, that matter.

When might taking a day off help?

Some people are able to keep working while managing their mental health, particularly with the right support. For others, especially when things feel more significant or prolonged, taking time away from work can be part of looking after themselves.

There's no set answer for how much time, if any, is right for you. That's a personal decision based on your own circumstances, not something we can determine for you.

What if I need a medical certificate for mental health?

If your mental health is affecting your ability to work, Sicknotes lets eligible Australians request an Absence from Work Certificate online for personal leave. Your request is reviewed by an AHPRA-Registered Pharmacist.

A certificate isn't issued automatically just because you mention stress, anxiety, depression or another mental health issue. Every request is individually reviewed, and a certificate is only issued where the pharmacist determines it's appropriate.

  • Only $5, no appointment required
  • Reviewed by AHPRA-Registered Pharmacists
  • Certificate delivered by email
  • No certificate, no charge
Request a Certificate

What evidence might your employer require?

Under the Fair Work Act, employers can ask employees to provide reasonable evidence to support a claim for personal leave, and a medical certificate is one example of that evidence, although individual employers, awards and agreements can have their own requirements.

Requirements can vary between workplaces, so if you're unsure what your employer needs, it's worth checking your own workplace policy. You can also refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman's guidance on personal leave.

Looking after yourself

Mental health concerns deserve proper care, and Sicknotes isn't a substitute for that. If you need ongoing support or an assessment, it's worth speaking with your GP, a psychologist, a counsellor or another appropriate health professional.

Reaching out for support is a normal and reasonable thing to do, whether or not you also need documentation for work.

If you are in immediate danger or crisis

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, has seriously harmed themselves, or is at immediate risk of harm, call 000.

If you need urgent mental health support, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you take sick leave for mental health?
Yes. Personal leave can apply when you're unable to work because of your own illness or injury, and mental health issues such as stress, anxiety or depression can be relevant. Whether it applies in your situation depends on your circumstances and your employment arrangements.
Can I take a sick day for stress or anxiety?
It depends on how much it's affecting your ability to work. Some people can keep working while managing stress or anxiety, particularly with support, while others may need time away. It comes down to your own circumstances rather than a general rule.
Can I get a medical certificate for mental health?
You can request an Absence from Work Certificate through Sicknotes for eligible personal leave circumstances, including where your mental health is affecting your ability to work. A certificate isn't automatic. It's only issued where the reviewing AHPRA-Registered Pharmacist determines that one is appropriate.
Do I need a medical certificate for mental health sick leave?
That depends on your employer's policy. Employers can ask for reasonable evidence to support a claim for personal leave, and requirements can vary between workplaces. If you do need documentation, Sicknotes lets you request an Absence from Work Certificate online for eligible circumstances.
Can I get a sick note for stress?
Sicknotes can review requests for eligible personal leave circumstances, including where stress is affecting your ability to work. We call our documentation an Absence from Work Certificate, and one is only issued where the reviewing pharmacist determines it's appropriate.
Will my employer know why I took sick leave?
Your certificate includes the reviewing pharmacist's name, qualifications and AHPRA registration details. It doesn't display Sicknotes branding. What an employer may ask for can vary, so check your workplace policy if you have concerns.

Need evidence for your absence?

If your mental health is affecting your ability to work and you need documentation, you can request an Absence from Work Certificate online with Sicknotes.

Request a Certificate

Only $5 · No certificate, no charge