Burned Out? Is Paid Mental Health Leave the Answer?

What Is Paid Mental Health Leave and Why Do You Need It?

 If you're feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained, it may be time to consider paid mental health leave. Whether you’re dealing with burnout or clinical depression, taking the necessary time off to recover is not just an option—it’s essential for your overall well-being. Colorado is one of only 13 states that provide paid medical leave, and it can be taken to deal with a serious mental health condition like depression. Paid mental health leave provides the financial stability you need while focusing on your recovery. Whether you're suffering from burnout or a more serious mental health condition like depression, time off can make all the difference in getting back on track.

The Difference Between Burnout and Depression: Do You Need Paid Mental Health Leave?

Burnout is often a direct result of prolonged workplace stress and is often the earliest signs of depression. Some workers have suffered from burnout for so long that they progress to full-blown clinical depression, or persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) or both.  Either way, you are left feeling emotionally exhausted, disengaged, and unable to perform at your usual level. The typical symptoms of burnout often coincide with depression. Please note, you don’t have to be suffering from every symptom to be diagnosed and it’s possible to have both conditions simultaneously.

Symptoms that can appear in either condition: 

• Emotional exhaustion
• Feeling of cynicism
• Reduced performance at work
• Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
• Slowed thinking or brain fog
• Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Sleep disturbances
• Increased substance intake (drugs, food, alcohol)
• Changes in appetite
• Physical fatigue

The main indicator if you’re suffering from one versus the other is that burnout symptoms improve if you take time off from work, and depression symptoms continue. Regardless of whether you’re experiencing burnout or depression, professional help—and paid mental health leave can give you the time and space you need to focus on getting better. Moreover, the sooner you address the symptoms of burnout or depression, the easier it is to treat.

How Paid Mental Health Leave Can Help You Recover from Burnout

Recovering from burnout requires more than just a day off. You may need extended time away from work, a focus on self-care, and support from mental health professionals. Paid mental health leave ensures you can take this necessary time without the added stress of financial concerns. Whether it’s setting boundaries, seeking counseling, or simply getting some much-needed rest, taking time off is the first step toward recovery.

How Colorado’s FAMLI Program Supports Paid Mental Health Leave

Colorado's FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance) program is specifically designed to support employees needing time off for serious medical conditions, including mental health struggles like depression. Paid mental health leave through FAMLI allows you to receive compensation while taking time to focus on your mental well-being.

In Colorado, burnout and depression are more common than ever, with almost 1 in 5 Coloradans experiencing a mental health challenge each year. FAMLI is a lifeline for those struggling with serious mental health conditions, giving them the financial backing they need during recovery.

Can Paid Mental Health Leave Protect Your Job?

In addition to providing compensation, paid mental health leave offers critical job protection. Under Colorado’s FAMLI program, your employer is legally required to preserve your job while you're on leave. More importantly, laws exist to protect you from any form of retaliation or discrimination for taking this essential time off.

Where to Go If You Experience Retaliation or Discrimination After Taking Mental Health Leave

Here is a good place to start researching if you feel that you have been discriminated against due to mental health leave.

EEOC – You will need to file with them to get a right to sue before an employment lawyer takes the case. If nothing else, what we love about this site is that they post all of the companies they are suing for discrimination. So if you think your HR team knows what they’re doing because you work for a large company, think again. We are certain that the EEOC would love to troll them and post their names on their front page if they even think of retaliating against you for prioritizing your mental health.

Americans With Disabilities Act – ADA specifically prohibits employees from discrimination for mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.

FAMLI Rights and Protections – This page not only details your rights for applying and taking FAMLI leave, it also gives you a complaint form.

Advanced Depression Treatments Available During Paid Mental Health Leave

If your mental health condition goes beyond burnout and has progressed into depression, paid mental health leave offers you the opportunity to explore advanced treatment options. While many people still think of daily medication as the standard treatment for depression, therapies like Spravato (a nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression) and TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) offer faster, longer-lasting relief.

During your paid mental health leave, you can take advantage of these cutting-edge treatments, many of which are now covered by insurance. With these innovative options, you can focus on recovering more quickly and fully. In addition, we offer therapy, social prescribing, and integrative psychiatry services to provide you with a well-rounded treatment program you can on an outpatient basis.

How to Qualify for Paid Mental Health Leave in Colorado

Not sure if you qualify for paid mental health leave? We’ve made it easy to find out. Take our free quiz to determine whether you're eligible for benefits under the FAMLI program. You can also download our Burnout Survival Guide to get practical tips on how to manage burnout and prevent future episodes.

FAMLI QUIZ

It’s Time to Prioritize Your Mental Health

Now more than ever, it’s time to make your mental health a priority. Whether you’re dealing with burnout or more serious depression, paid mental health leave allows you the time, space, and financial freedom to focus on your recovery.

At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we are here to help you navigate this challenging period. With advanced treatments like Spravato and TMS, we offer solutions that go beyond just daily medication, giving you faster relief and longer-lasting results. Together, we can build a culture where mental wellness is prioritized, and toxic workplaces are no longer able to thrive.

Paid mental health leave isn’t just an option—it’s a right. Take the time to heal, because your mental health is worth it. There's no longer an excuse to put it off. For yourself, for your loved ones, and for your future, prioritize your well-being today.