Can I Be Fired For My Mental Health Condition?

Workplace mental health accommodations play a vital role in keeping employees productive and safe. Unfortunately, a deep stigma still surrounds psychiatric disabilities in the workplace. Many workers fear losing their jobs if they speak up about depression, PTSD or anxiety. The law strictly protects your rights. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, employers cannot legally discriminate against you based on a mental impairment. If you believe your employer wrongfully terminated you for having a mental illness, the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline can help you demand justice and secure the compensation you deserve.

If you face discrimination or wrongful termination, an employment attorney can help you understand your legal rights regarding mental health in the workplace:

• The Americans with Disabilities Act protects employees with mental health conditions.
• Employers cannot fire you simply because you have a psychiatric disability.
• You have a legal right to request reasonable accommodations to help you perform your job.
• Wrongful termination based on your medical status breaks federal law.

How Does My Mental Health Condition Affect My Legal Protections?

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 shields you from employment discrimination based on a mental impairment. If your condition substantially limits one or more major life activities, you qualify for protection. This means your employer cannot rely on myths about mental health when deciding if you can perform a job. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, you have a right to workplace privacy and reasonable accommodations. These accommodations might include altered break schedules, permission to work from home or changes in supervisory methods.

What Are The Signs That My Employer Is Treating Me Unfairly?

Harassment based on a psychiatric disability violates federal law. You must watch for unfair treatment so you can protect your career. Common signs of workplace discrimination include:

• Receiving sudden negative performance reviews after you disclose a mental illness.
• Being passed over for promotions in favor of less qualified candidates.
• Experiencing hostile comments, jokes or insults regarding your psychological health.
• Facing retaliation after you request a flexible work schedule.

These actions reveal a bias against your medical status. Your employer must provide a respectful workplace free from prejudice.

What Should I Do If My Employer Denies Me Support?

If your boss refuses a reasonable accommodation, you must take immediate action. First, follow your company grievance procedures to report the issue to human resources. If human resources ignores your complaint, you can file a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Consult an employment attorney to build a strong legal strategy.

How Do I Document Comments Or Actions That Target My Condition?

Strong evidence is the key to a successful wrongful termination claim. You need to gather proof that your employer acted illegally.

• Save all emails, memos and text messages that reference your mental health.
• Keep a private journal detailing dates, times and locations of discriminatory incidents.
• Identify coworkers who witnessed the harassment and ask for their statements.
• Request copies of your personnel file and past performance evaluations.

Maintaining a thorough record gives you the leverage you need to hold your employer accountable.

Address Your Wrongful Termination

Living with a mental illness does not strip you of your workplace rights. The law prevents employers from terminating you due to a psychiatric disability. If you face discrimination, you must document the abuse and seek legal counsel immediately. Since 1999, the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline has provided dignified representation to Chicago employees facing unlawful termination. We treat your case with respect and compassion. Contact us today for a free consultation.