How to Take Time Off Work for Eating Disorder Treatment

Man getting ready for treatment

Receiving eating disorder treatment while maintaining one’s career can be a daunting and stressful challenge. Below are a few steps to help you navigate taking time off work to focus on your treatment and recovery.

Coming to the decision that you need eating disorder treatment isn’t easy. Even harder is finally making the decision to seek treatment.

If your outpatient treatment team agrees that you need a higher level of care, it is important to stick with your decision, even if inpatient treatment is not an option with your job. Ignoring the problem or hoping it will go away on its own will only make things more difficult in the future.

Taking Leave and Self-Disclosure

Unfortunately, one of the biggest factors determining how to take off work depends on your employer.

Your workplace may be understanding of mental health and provide employees with options should they need to take time for self-care. If this isn’t the case for you, consider other ways you could request time off, such as federal Family Medical Leave or using vacation or sick days. Obtaining treatment isn’t the most fun way to spend your vacation, but it is worth it to invest that time in getting well.

Aloria Health Treatment Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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It is up to you how much to disclose to your boss about the reason behind your absence. An eating disorder is an illness and, therefore, you do not have to fill your employer in on the specifics. Examine your employee handbook, talk to your HR Representative, and consider your individual employer when deciding whether you want to disclose the true reason for your absence.

If you should choose to disclose your situation with your employer, it may be helpful to inform them of the facts regarding eating disorder recovery and treatment. Studies show that those who attend inpatient treatment show marked improvements upon completion and that these improvements are well-maintained at 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-ups [1].

Informing your boss that treatment is the best long-term option for you, and for them, may help them to see the value in your temporary absence.

Making a Transition Plan for Treatment

It is best to approach an employer about any long-term absence with a plan.

Consider how it will play out when you transition out and back into the work environment, and try to brainstorm ways to make this transition go smoothly. Letting your boss know that you will not be shirking your responsibilities to the detriment of the company may make them more supportive.

Woman deep in though at about treatmentEven with all of your preparation, your employer may not support you taking time off work for treatment. Many people encounter this inflexibility and cannot stand to lose their jobs.

If this becomes your reality, do not give up on recovery or treatment. Research your legal rights to mental health care, as well as possible outpatient and self-help options open to you.

Persist toward recovery with strength, courage, and resiliency.

Community Discussion – Share Your Voice!

How did you approach your employer about taking time off work for eating disorder treatment? Connect with others to discuss further on Eating Disorder Hope’s online forum today!


Image of Margot Rittenhouse.About the Author: Margot Rittenhouse is a therapist who is passionate about providing mental health support to all in need and has worked with clients with substance abuse issues, eating disorders, domestic violence victims and offenders, and severely mentally ill youth. As a freelance writer for Eating Disorder and Addiction Hope and a mentor with MentorConnect, Margot is a passionate eating disorder advocate, committed to de-stigmatizing these illnesses while showing support for those struggling through mentoring, writing, and volunteering. Margot has a Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.


References:

[1]: Lowe, M. R., Davis, W. N., Annunziato, R. A., Lucks, D. L. (2003). Inpatient treatment for eating disorders: outcome at discharge and 3-month follow-up. Eating Behaviors, 4, 385-397.


The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.


Published April 28, 2017.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on
April 26, 2017.
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com