Can You Get a Sick Note for a Mental Health Day in BC?
Mental health days are legitimate sick days in BC. Here's how the law protects you and when you need documentation.
## Can You Get a Sick Note for a Mental Health Day in BC?
**Yes.** Mental health conditions are recognized as legitimate illness under both the BC Employment Standards Act and the BC Human Rights Code. You have the same right to take time off for mental health as you do for physical illness.
### Mental Health = Physical Health Under BC Law
The BC Human Rights Code explicitly includes mental disability as a protected ground. This means:
- **Anxiety, depression, burnout, and PTSD** are all valid reasons for sick leave
- Your employer **cannot discriminate** against you for taking mental health days
- You have the **same entitlements** (5 paid + 3 unpaid days) regardless of whether your illness is physical or mental
### When Do You Need a Note?
For your first 5 paid sick days, BC law does **not** require a doctor's note. However:
- Many employers have policies requiring notes after 3+ consecutive days
- Some employers request notes for any absence (though they cannot require one for the first 5 days under the ESA)
- If you're taking extended leave, documentation strengthens your position
### What the Note Should Say
A mental health sick note does NOT need to disclose your specific diagnosis. It should only state:
1. You were seen by a physician
2. You are/were unable to work due to a medical condition
3. The dates you require off
4. Any workplace modifications needed (optional)
### Protecting Your Privacy
Your employer is **not entitled** to know your specific diagnosis. Under BC privacy law:
- They can ask for a note confirming illness
- They cannot ask what medication you take
- They cannot contact your doctor without consent
- They cannot require you to disclose your mental health condition
### How MedLetter Helps
MedLetter provides discreet, within 6 hours sick notes from CPSBC-registered physicians. Your privacy is protected — we never disclose specific diagnoses to employers.
**Get a mental health sick note — [Start here](/get-started/sick_note)**