When depression and anxiety make it difficult for you to continue working, your resignation letter should be calm, respectful, and private. You do not need to share every personal detail. You only need to clearly state that you are resigning, give your final working day, express appreciation, and offer a reasonable transition plan if you are able.
This guide gives you five resignation letter due to depression and anxiety samples you can copy and adjust. If you want a shorter version, you can also review simple resignation letters. If you need a standard notice format, see two weeks’ notice resignation letter samples. If your situation is urgent, compare your wording with 24-hour resignation letter samples.
Mental health conditions can affect your ability to work, concentrate, sleep, communicate, and manage daily responsibilities. Depression can cause symptoms that affect working, eating, sleeping, and daily functioning, while anxiety disorders involve more than occasional worry and can worsen over time
Resignation Letter Due to Depression and Anxiety Quiz
Answer these 7 questions to choose the best resignation letter style for your situation. This quiz helps you decide whether you need a private health reasons letter, a two weeks’ notice letter, a short notice letter, or an immediate resignation letter.
Question 1 of 7
1. How soon do you need to leave your job?
2. How much detail do you want to share about your mental health?
3. Are you able to help with transition tasks?
4. Have you considered medical leave or workplace accommodations?
5. What tone do you want your letter to have?
6. Is your anxiety or depression connected to burnout?
7. What is your biggest concern after resigning?
Your Best Match: Professional Two Weeks’ Notice Letter
You should use a professional resignation letter with a clear final working day, a brief health-related reason, appreciation, and a transition offer. This is best when you can stay long enough to help with handoff.
Go to Template 3Your Best Match: Private Health Reasons Letter
You should use private wording such as “personal health reasons” or “health-related circumstances.” This protects your privacy while still giving your employer a professional resignation notice.
Go to Template 2Your Best Match: Immediate Resignation Letter
You should use an immediate resignation letter if your mental health makes it impossible to continue working. Keep it respectful, short, and realistic. Do not promise transition help you cannot provide.
Go to Template 4Your Best Match: Direct Mental Health Resignation Letter
You can mention depression and anxiety directly while still keeping private medical details out of the letter. State your final day, explain briefly, and thank the employer.
Go to Template 1Your Best Match: Anxiety, Burnout, and Recovery Letter
You should use a recovery-focused letter that explains you are stepping away to focus on mental health, burnout recovery, and long-term well-being.
Go to Template 5Your Best Match: Consider Leave Before Resigning
You may want to ask HR about medical leave, reduced schedule, or accommodations before you submit a final resignation. If resignation is still best, use a private health reasons letter.
Go to Template 2Quick Answer: What Should You Say?
You can say:
“Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [Job Title], effective [Last Working Day]. Due to ongoing health-related circumstances, I need to step away from my role and focus on my well-being. I appreciate the opportunities I have had with [Company Name] and will do what I can to support a smooth transition.”
This wording works because it is professional, brief, and private. You are not required to disclose every detail about depression, anxiety, treatment, medication, or personal circumstances in your resignation letter.
Choose Your Template Fast
Use this box to quickly choose the resignation letter due to depression and anxiety template that fits your situation.
Before You Resign, Consider Your Options
Before you submit a resignation letter due to depression and anxiety, you may want to consider whether you are eligible for medical leave, a reduced schedule, or workplace accommodations. Eligible employees may be able to take FMLA leave for a serious mental health condition that makes them unable to perform essential job duties.
You may also have rights under disability accommodation rules if your condition qualifies and you need a reasonable accommodation to perform important job functions. The EEOC explains that depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions may be covered, and employers may need to provide reasonable accommodation unless it causes undue hardship.
If you already know resignation is the right decision, keep your letter focused. You can use a clear template from this page or compare it with 17 simple resignation letter samples.
What To Include In A Resignation Letter Due To Depression And Anxiety
Your letter should include five simple parts:
- Your statement of resignation
- Your job title
- Your final working day
- A brief health-related reason, only if you want to include it
- A polite thank-you and transition offer
You can keep your reason general by saying “health-related circumstances,” “personal health reasons,” or “medical reasons.” If you want to be more direct, you can say “depression and anxiety,” but you do not have to.
If you are not sure how to begin, review how to start a professional resignation letter.
Template 1: Simple Resignation Letter Due To Depression And Anxiety
Subject: Resignation – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] with [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day].
Due to ongoing depression and anxiety, I need to step away from my role and focus on my health and well-being. I appreciate the opportunities I have had with the company and the support I have received during my time here.
During my remaining time, I will do my best to help with a smooth transition. I can document my current tasks, organize important files, and assist with handoff where possible.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 2: Private Health Reasons Resignation Letter
Subject: Formal Resignation – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day].
For personal health reasons, I have decided that it is best for me to step away from my position at this time. I appreciate the professional experience, guidance, and support I have received while working with the team.
I will make every reasonable effort to complete urgent tasks and prepare a clear transition summary before my final day.
Thank you for your understanding and for the opportunity to be part of [Company Name].
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
This version is best when you want privacy. You do not mention depression or anxiety directly, but your reason is still clear and respectful. For another simple format, review simple resignation letters.
Template 3: Two Weeks’ Notice Resignation Letter Due To Mental Health
Subject: Two Weeks’ Notice – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this letter as my formal two weeks’ notice of resignation from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. My final working day will be [Last Working Day].
After careful consideration, I have decided to resign due to mental health reasons. I need to focus on my well-being and take the time necessary to care for my health.
I am grateful for the opportunities I have had here and for the experience I have gained. Over the next two weeks, I will do my best to support a smooth transition by completing priority assignments, organizing my work, and assisting with handoff notes.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Use this version when you can give normal notice. You can also compare it with two weeks’ notice resignation letter samples.
Template 4: Immediate Resignation Letter Due To Depression And Anxiety
Subject: Immediate Resignation – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to inform you that I must resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name], effective immediately.
Due to serious health-related circumstances involving depression and anxiety, I am unable to continue working or provide standard notice. I understand this may create a difficult transition, and I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.
I appreciate the opportunity to work with [Company Name]. If helpful, I can provide brief notes about urgent tasks, return company property promptly, and answer essential transition questions by email if I am able.
Thank you for your understanding.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
Use this version only when you truly cannot continue working. If you want more short-notice wording, see 24-hour resignation letter samples or one-week notice resignation letter samples.
Template 5: Resignation Letter Due To Anxiety, Burnout, And Health Recovery
Subject: Notice of Resignation – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] with [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day].
After careful thought, I have decided to resign so I can focus on my mental health, recovery, and long-term well-being. Ongoing anxiety and burnout have made it difficult for me to continue in my role at the level I expect from myself.
I am thankful for the experience I have gained and for the opportunity to work with the team. Before my final day, I will help organize my current responsibilities, provide handoff notes, and complete any urgent tasks I reasonably can.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
This version works when your depression or anxiety is connected to burnout, workload, or emotional exhaustion, but you still want to leave on professional terms. For more general wording, you can also review notice for work templates.
Short Email Version
Subject: Resignation – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this email as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day].
Due to health-related circumstances, I need to step away from my role and focus on my well-being. I appreciate the opportunities I have had with the company and will do my best to support a smooth transition before my final day.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
What Not To Say In Your Letter
Do not write a long emotional explanation if it may hurt your privacy or future references. You should avoid blaming coworkers, listing every symptom, attacking management, or sharing medical details you may regret later.
Instead, keep your resignation letter professional. If you need to document workplace issues separately, do that in a separate HR complaint, not in your resignation letter. For a clean resignation format, use 17 simple resignation letter samples.
Should You Mention Depression And Anxiety Directly?
You can mention depression and anxiety directly if you feel comfortable. However, you can also keep your reason private by saying “health-related circumstances” or “personal medical reasons.”
A good rule is this: include only the amount of information needed to explain your resignation professionally. Your employer does not need your full medical history in a resignation letter.
What If You Are In Crisis?
If you feel unsafe, overwhelmed, or at risk of harming yourself, your resignation letter is not the first priority. In the United States, you can call or text 988 or chat through the 988 Lifeline for crisis support. SAMHSA also offers a free, confidential 24/7 treatment referral and information helpline at 1-800-662-HELP for mental health or substance use support.
Advanced Checklist: Resignation Letter Due to Depression and Anxiety
Use this checklist before you send your resignation letter. It helps you protect your privacy, confirm your final day, prepare your transition, and avoid wording that may create problems later.
Section 1: Before You Decide to Resign
Section 2: Privacy and Mental Health Wording
Section 3: Required Resignation Details
Section 4: Transition and Final Tasks
Section 5: Final Review Before Sending
Helpful reminder: If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, seek immediate support before focusing on a resignation letter.
FAQ: Resignation Letter Due To Depression And Anxiety
Do you have to say you are resigning because of depression and anxiety?
No. You can say “health-related circumstances,” “personal health reasons,” or “medical reasons.” This protects your privacy while still giving your employer a professional explanation.
Can you resign immediately because of mental health?
Yes, you can submit an immediate resignation if you are unable to continue working. However, you should check your employment contract, company policy, and benefits situation if you can. If you are eligible for protected leave, you may want to ask HR about leave before resigning. Eligible employees may be able to use FMLA leave for qualifying mental health conditions.
Should you give two weeks’ notice if you are resigning due to depression and anxiety?
If you are able, two weeks’ notice is usually more professional. If your symptoms make it impossible to continue working, you can use a shorter notice or immediate resignation letter. You can compare your options with two weeks’ notice resignation letter samples and 24-hour resignation letter samples.
Can you ask for leave instead of resigning?
Yes, you may be able to ask for medical leave, reduced hours, schedule changes, or other accommodations before deciding to resign. The Department of Labor explains that FMLA may apply to mental health conditions when eligibility requirements are met, and the EEOC explains that reasonable accommodations may apply to certain mental health conditions.
What is the best subject line for this resignation email?
Use a simple subject line such as “Resignation – [Your Name],” “Formal Resignation – [Your Name],” or “Notice of Resignation – [Your Name].” If you are giving two weeks’ notice, you can write “Two Weeks’ Notice – [Your Name].”
Should you include a doctor’s note with your resignation?
Usually, you do not need to include a doctor’s note with a resignation letter. If you are requesting leave, disability accommodation, or benefits, HR may have a separate documentation process.
Can you leave without explaining your mental health condition?
Yes. Your resignation letter can be short and private. You can simply say that you are resigning for personal or health-related reasons and provide your final working day.
Final Thoughts
A resignation letter due to depression and anxiety should protect your privacy while keeping your tone professional. You can be honest without oversharing. You can also choose whether to give standard notice, short notice, or immediate notice based on your health and your ability to continue working.
If you need a broader resignation format, start with simple resignation letters. If you are leaving quickly, review one-week notice resignation letter samples or 24-hour resignation letter samples.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational and letter-writing purposes only. It is not medical, legal, employment, or mental health advice. If you are dealing with a mental health emergency, contact emergency services or a crisis support line right away.