Can you get fired for having Anxiety attacks?

[natashaA1234]

I was curious does anyone know if you can get fired from calling in for a shift due to having anxiety and/or panic attacks?

[blackcat64013]

Hi Natasha,

This is a very tricky question, depending on so many factors - your history at work, your job role and if you have previously disclosed your mental health (anxiety/panic attacks) to the workplace. The Human Resources (HR) department should be advised in writing of what local management decision was.

If you are a member of a union, you should discuss the matter with your job representative.

An employee assistance program (EAP), is there is one, is a good place to talk through the situation.

The person who can document the situation in it's context is your doctor.

[Joimom16]

Hi, I don't know if you can get fired or not, I did read that if a person who has really bad anxiety or panic attacks can get disability if it causes the patient to not be able to function in everyday life! Which means, working, driving etc. I had a panic attack today, this time it really hurt my chest...I have never had that one before!! It was scary as hell...😣

[Hidden]

Hi Natashia. In the US it may be possible to lose your job if your anxiety attacks are preventing you from performing the essential requirements of your job. If you live in a state that is an "at will" state, no justification is really needed by your employer (if you are non'union) If your employer and you can determine a way that your anxiety attacks only affect non-essential parts of your job, perhaps a reasonable accommodation can be made and you could keep your job.

Missing work due to an anxiety attack, may or may not be covered as a sick day, but if you are missing work, it may show that you may not be able to perform an essential part of your job.... showing up for work. You really should try to determine how often you think you can't even go to work due to anxiety, and figure out a way to get to work in spite of it.

Many people go to work every day in spite of anxiety or panic attacks......attorneys, people going through a divorce, teachers dealing with almost uncontrollable students, firemen, police, factory workers with demanding time controls to produce a product , people with ill children or parents at home, and you can do it too.

Try to organize your mornings and routines to decrease the odds of an anxiety attack and get to work. Set your clothes out the night before, have your coffee maker on a timed start, have your children's clothes selected the night before, as well as their lunches made, and breakfast for everyone planned, even if it's a nutritional low sugar cereal, milk, fruit, and vitamins. If married, divide the night preparations.

Your question was short, but there were many contingencies involved.

So I hope you found some information from what I wrote to help you. If not, please write more explaining in better detail why you are worrying.

Best wishes to your better health and good employment.