Depression leave: what it is, requirements, how to apply

Low for depression what it is, requirements, how to apply

Is it hard for you to go to work? When you are in the office are you always in a bad mood? Do you jump for nothing? Does your boss make you hysterical when he calls or texts you? Are symptoms of depression at work, and before this the best thing is to request a leave for depression.

But what is this kind of low? How can you ask? How long does it last? If you are interested in knowing more about the subject, then we have prepared a guide for you to understand everything related to this sick leave. Shall we start?

What is depression leave?

A leave due to depression is an inability of a worker to continue in his job position due to this mental illness. Depression psychologically incapacitates that person to perform the work of his position and also to assume any responsibility.

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), depression is the leading cause of disability for many professionals and that is why today we are talking about it.

Depression symptoms

stressful work environment

There are many symptoms that can lead to depression. But the most common that affect workers are the following:

  • Stress.
  • Anxiety.
  • Work problems: arguments with colleagues, fights between bosses, problems carrying out work, etc.
  • Personal problems.

In general, a person who has depression changes his mood to one that is sad, irritable, and loses interest in things. You also have trouble concentrating, low self-esteem and excessive guilt.

Who can leave for depression

In the event that you suffer from those symptoms that we have told you about, or that you feel that it is increasingly difficult for you to go to work and that you do not have a good time there, the first thing to do is request leave.

This must be approved and accredited by a doctor. Specifically, it can be by the GP (or family doctor) or by a mental health specialist.

You should also know that the loss due to depression may not appear like this. In fact, in the company they do not have to know the reasons, only the doctor, which is often hidden to avoid "what they will say" between workers and employers.

How long does it last

Another point that you should keep in mind is how long you can be out due to depression. In this sense, the low can last 12 months. However, If the doctor considers that there are justified reasons to extend this leave, it can be extended for another 6 months.

In the event that even after 18 months you still have not recovered, then you would have to go through a Medical Tribunal, which is the body that can certify a permanent disability. This would have various degrees and would mean a chronic and disabling disease.

How to request sick leave for depression

People arguing at work

Applying for depression leave is easy to do. Just go to the doctor and ask for it. This will evaluate your house and decide if you really need it or not. The normal thing is that they give you a three-day leave that is temporary And if after that time you are not in a position to return to work, then the leave due to depression does begin.

Now, To carry it out, it must be taken into account that:

  • That person is registered with Social Security. If he is self-employed, he would have to be up to date with the payment of contributions.
  • As for common contingencies, You must have contributed to Social Security for at least 180 days in recent years.
  • If all this is fulfilled, there would be no problem in processing the withdrawal.

Once the doctor grants the leave, the first thing to do is notify the company and send, or take, the documentation that the doctor will have given you so that you can communicate this to the National Social Security Institute and attach the medical reports.

Throughout the leave, there will be medical reports that must be sent to the company.

How much is charged for depression leave

Leaves due to depression have the same amount as in other cases of temporary disability. Namely:

  • The first three days (temporary leave) would not be charged at all.
  • From day 4 to 20, 60% of the regulatory base (that is, extras, bonuses and others do not enter here).
  • As of the 21st, 75%.

However, if the leave is due to professional contingencies and is given by the mutual, then 75% is charged from the day of the leave.

Who pays the benefit?

In case you want to know, Typically, the company you work for pays the benefit for temporary disability from the 4th to the 15th.. But from the 16th it is the mutual, or the Social Security that takes care of it.

Things you can't do if you're on leave for depression

Person with work stress

When a person requests a leave due to depression, it is normal to consider that they cannot lead a normal life. But that doesn't mean you can't do anything.

In general, a worker on sick leave due to depression cannot:

  • Answer phone calls, messages, emails... that have to do with the company. In other words, the relationship with the company is severed since this may be the cause of the cancellation. If it is not, you can continue to maintain the link, but without working.
  • Neither can start another economic activity. In other words, being on leave does not mean that you can work elsewhere or set up your own company.
  • Present yourself to public oppositions. People on leave due to depression cannot attend these.

Now, what can be done? With a leave for depression you can:

Going out to play sports, because the WHO itself has made it clear that exercise helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

  • Take tests, as long as there is a medical report that supports that you can do it.
  • Travel, as long as there is a medical report that supports it.
  • Hanging out with friends. Again, as long as there is a medical report.

As you see, the loss due to depression is not well known, and yet it can help many workers to relax, get a change of scenery and, above all, improve their spirits. Have you ever considered asking for this type of leave? Did you know it existed?


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